China Prohibits Usage of Intel and AMD Chips in Government Systems

China has introduced guidelines aimed at phasing out US microprocessors from Intel and AMD from government personal computers and servers, as reported by the Financial Times on Sunday. The procurement guidance also aims to sideline Microsoft's Windows operating system and foreign-made database software in favor of domestic options, the report said. Government agencies above the township level have been instructed to include criteria requiring "safe and reliable" processors and operating systems when making purchases, according to the newspaper.

China's industry ministry issued a statement in late December with three separate lists of CPUs, operating systems, and centralized databases deemed "safe and reliable" for three years after the publication date, all from Chinese companies, Reuters checks showed.

The State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for the council, China's Cabinet, did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Intel and AMD did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The US has been aiming to boost domestic semiconductor output and reduce reliance on China and Taiwan with the Biden administration's 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. This act is designed to bolster US semiconductors and contains financial aid for domestic production with subsidies for the production of advanced chips.