In Case You Missed It: International Technology Developments

1. Netherlands weighs restrictions on chipmaking exports: It is reported that the Dutch government could decide within this month on whether to side with the U.S. and block the sale of advanced chipmaking technology to China. Its decision may be especially notable since Dutch company ASML is among the world’s most important builder of machines needed to manufacture chips.  

2. U.S. and Japan to work through South Korea to ban Chinese chips: According to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. is in discussions with Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea on a deal to restrict semiconductor exports to China.

3. Taiwan wants to join WTO talks on China’s protest against U.S. chip sanctions: Taiwan requested to join discussions centered on China’s protest against U.S. chip sanctions at the World Trade Organization.

4. Mexico to ask for U.S. help in attracting semiconductor investment: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) will ask President Biden for support in attracting semiconductor investment when they meet in Mexico City this week.

5. Europe joins U.S. in considering outbound investment reviews: In its 2023 work program, the European Commission promised to examine whether additional tools are necessary with regards to strategic outbound investments controls.

What To Watch – Washington Targets AI, Emerging Technologies, and Social Media

1. On Saturday, Alan Davidson, head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), announced that the NTIA would issue a request for comment on policies to audit new AI tools and ensure their safety.

2. On Friday, Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) said he wants the committee to consider how to boost the development of quantum computing, AI, advanced engineering, and synthetic biology.

3. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who is to chair a new House China Select Committee in the 118^th Congress, continues to telegraph his goal of bipartisan cooperation to target China’s alleged technology influence, such as banning TikTok, among many other matters.

Rong Qin also contributed to this article.