Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the critical nature of advanced microchips in national security during a recent interview with CBS' "60 Minutes," highlighting the U.S. efforts to prevent these technologies from falling into the hands of China and Russia. Raimondo’s remarks underscore the evolving landscape of national defence, where technology such as semiconductors, AI, and drones play a pivotal role.
In the interview, Raimondo detailed the Commerce Department’s decisive actions in halting all semiconductor chip exports to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This measure, she noted, aims to cripple the technological capabilities of Russian military forces, which are heavily reliant on such chips for their drones, missiles, and tanks. She cited instances of Russian forces resorting to extracting semiconductors from civilian appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers as evidence of the effectiveness of these sanctions.
However, the conversation also touched on the tensions these restrictions may exacerbate with China. Lesley Stahl of "60 Minutes" pointed out that Chinese officials had warned that the U.S. stance might provoke a trade war, considering the significant trade relationships between the two nations that support approximately 750,000 U.S. jobs. In response, Raimondo acknowledged the importance of trade with China but maintained a firm stance on the necessity of controlling exports of critically sensitive technologies.
"We want to trade with China on the vast majority of goods and services. But on those technologies that affect our national security, no," Raimondo stated, underscoring the strategic need to safeguard the most advanced U.S. semiconductor technology, which remains unrivalled globally. She confidently added, "We have the most sophisticated semiconductors in the world. China doesn't. We’ve out-innovated China."
The discussion also highlighted broader U.S. concerns about Beijing's use of American technology in advancing its military capabilities. The U.S. believes that restricting access to high-end chips used in AI training—predominantly designed in the U.S. and manufactured using tools from allied nations—can prevent Chinese firms from closing the technological gap, particularly in developing new weaponry.
The Biden administration continues to intensify these efforts, seeking to maintain a technological advantage that is deemed essential for both national security and global stability. Raimondo’s comments reflect a clear and strategic U.S. policy direction to control the spread of critical technologies to rival states as tensions continue to rise around technological supremacy and security.