Micron Technology: China probes US chip maker for cybersecurity risks as tech tension escalates | CNN Business

US Chip Maker Micron Under Fire from China as Tech Tension Escalates

The Chinese government has launched a cybersecurity probe into US-based memory chip maker Micron Technology, citing national security concerns and in apparent retaliation against new restrictions on the sale of key technology to Beijing. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over issues related to trade, technology, and intellectual property.

According to sources, China's Cyberspace Administration will review products sold by Micron in the country, aiming to "ensure the security of key information infrastructure supply chains" and prevent potential cybersecurity risks. The probe is part of Beijing's growing efforts to exert pressure on foreign companies that operate in its territory.

The development has sparked concerns among US business leaders and lawmakers, who have been warning about the increasing risks of doing business with China. In recent months, Washington has announced curbs on China's semiconductor industry, citing national security concerns.

Shares in Micron fell by 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, marking the biggest drop in over three months. The company has warned in the past that it faces potential risks from dealing with Chinese authorities.

China has been critical of restrictions on tech exports, stating that it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing is under pressure to boost growth and job creation as it grapples with mounting economic challenges.

The probe into Micron comes amidst a broader crackdown by China on foreign companies operating in its territory. In recent months, authorities have suspended the operations of several international firms, including Deloitte's and Mintz Group's.

The move is seen as part of Beijing's efforts to assert control over the global technology supply chain and protect domestic industries from competition. As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, businesses are under increasing pressure to navigate the complexities of operating in a country with a growing reputation for hostility towards foreign companies.

I'm not sure what's next ... First it's Micron under fire, now other companies are getting scrutinized like this is some kind of test run? I get that China wants to protect its own tech interests, but come on, isn't there a sweet spot somewhere in between national security concerns and stifling innovation? This probe stuff just feels like more of the same - escalating tensions without a clear resolution. And what's up with all these curbs on tech exports? Are we really gonna let it come to this

I'm totally freaking out about this Micron thingy I mean, I get that countries have differences and all, but it's like, what's next? Are we gonna have a list of stuff that China can and can't buy from US companies? It sounds soooo extra And now Micron is getting all scrutinized just because China doesn't like the rules... I feel bad for them lol. Meanwhile, I'm over here stressing about my math homework gotta get this quadratic equation right...

I'm like totally not surprised about this Micron should've seen it coming after they went ahead with those new restrictions on tech exports to China. I mean, China's been playing hardball for ages, and now they're just retaliating by targeting one of the biggest US chip makers. It's all about politics, folks

The thing is, China's got a point about national security concerns - they are trying to protect their own industries from being crushed by foreign competition. But at the same time, Micron's got legitimate worries about doing business with Chinese authorities - those guys can be super unpredictable and have no qualms about cracking down on foreigners.

And let's not forget, this is just the tip of the iceberg The whole tech industry's gotta navigate these complex webs of politics and trade restrictions. It's like, how are you supposed to know what's "key" or "sensitive" enough to warrant a cyber probe? Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me

aww man this is getting serious china's been cracking down on us chip makers left and right... like micron just got hit with a cybersecurity probe outta nowhere it's scary to think about all the tech companies that might be next usa's already been making some moves too, restricting china's access to our chips... feels like we're stuck in this cycle of tech tension what's gonna happen to global trade if we can't even work together?

omg this is like something out of a movie china is being super aggressive about tech exports and micron is like right in the middle of it i mean i get that china wants to protect its own industries but come on can't they just play nice for once? it's not like micron is doing anything wrong here. the us is just trying to protect itself from china's growing tech power and china is all like "nope we're gonna shut you down" this whole thing is so messed up i just hope micron can get through this without losing too much of its business

I'm so worried about the impact this is going to have on my kid's future! As a parent, it's hard enough trying to keep them safe online without some other country deciding that they're a security threat just because of where their school uses certain tech? It feels like we're living in a real-life spy thriller over here... And what about the jobs? I've heard rumors that some companies are already saying no to hiring anyone from China or doing business with them. That's not going to help my kid get a foot in the door, let alone start their own company one day! This is why we need international cooperation on tech and cybersecurity, not more finger-pointing and threats...

just got word that china is going after micron again its like they're trying to send a message to the rest of us - 'if you mess with china, we'll mess with you' china's always been super protective of its tech industry and now they're taking it to the next level by launching this probe i mean, micron warned them about potential risks before but apparently they weren't listening it's like a game of chicken - who's gonna blink first?

omg did you see what's happening with Micron they're really getting hit by china now i'm kinda worried about our chips but like isn't that just how trade works? we're always trying to regulate each other and stuff, right? anyway back to Micron... i don't get why china is so mad about this though aren't they the ones who need our tech? i mean i've heard some companies struggle with chinese regulations too, so it's kinda mutual, you know?

Micron gets hit by China's cyber probe lol what's up with all this tech drama?? The US is like "hey China, chill" but China is all like "nope, we're good". This whole thing just screams "great, more bureaucracy and red tape for businesses to deal with". I'm not surprised Micron's shares dropped tho, who wants to deal with all this uncertainty?

I've got a feeling that this is just the beginning of a trade war. Those 4.4% drops on Wall Street? Small compared to what could come next. China's not backing down, and neither should Micron. This is all about control – Beijing wants its tech companies to play by their rules, no exceptions. The irony is that it'll only stifle innovation in the long run. China might be able to block this one tech company, but there are so many more out there...

I'm not surprised to see Micron gettin' hit by this probe . I mean, we've been talkin' about how China's gettin' more aggressive in protectin' its domestic industries and supply chains. This is just another example of that .

But at the same time, I do think it's a bit rich for China to be goin' on like this, given all the restrictions they've imposed on US companies . It's like, if you wanna play with fire, expect some burns .

I'm worried about how this is gonna affect Micron and other US companies operatin' in China. We already see enough uncertainty and risk when it comes to dealin' with Chinese authorities . Now we gotta add this probe into the mix? It's just more fuel for the fire .

Still, I think it's good that the US government is takin' a stand on national security concerns . But at the same time, I hope they're not just gonna play tit-for-tat with China . We need to find ways to navigate these complex tensions without escalatin' things too much .

omg u guys its like every1 knew this was gonna happen china's been playin games w/ tech trade 4 ages now & micron's just gettin hit w/ a major probe gotta wonder how many other US corps r on the radar?? anyway, cant say im surprised but still its kinda crazy how tensions b/w us & china r escalating so fast & like seriously, whats next? china goin to start scrutinizin google's data storage or somethin lol

.. like China can't just dictate how other countries do business, you feel? I mean, if they wanna protect their own security, that's one thing, but going after a legit US company like Micron is just not cool . They're basically saying "if you don't play by our rules, you're out". What's next, gonna start regulating our memes too? . Seriously though, this probe is just another example of how hard it is for businesses to navigate these complex global politics. US companies are already under pressure from all sides - trade tensions, IP theft... and now China comes along and throws another curveball into the mix . It's like, can't we all just have a peaceful tech-coexistence?

China is getting more aggressive in protecting its tech interests... I get it, they need to boost their economy and create jobs, but this probe into Micron feels like an overreaction. Like, what's the big deal about US chip makers selling memory chips to China? It's not like they're giving away top-secret nuclear codes or something . This is just more proof that the tech wars between US and China are getting super heated. I'm worried about how this will affect other companies like Intel and Samsung... what's next, a probe into their operations too?

just thinking about this micron thingy... china's always trying to level playing field but i feel like they're stepping over line here. US is already having hard time with their own tech issues and now china comes along and launches probe? it's just more of same old games. tech industry is so interconnected nowadays, can't we all just get along? anyway, micron shares are tanking which is good for them but bad for investors...

the whole thing is just getting outta hand i mean china's already got some serious issues on their hands and now they're trying to exert control over the global tech supply chain? that's just gonna backfire in their faces micron's not even doing anything wrong, they're just trying to do business with a country that's basically being paranoid about everything it's like they think everyone's out to get them or something meanwhile, us businesses are getting caught in the middle and having to navigate all these red tape & regulations it's a mess, man.

This is so worrying for Micron and other US chip makers . Can't imagine how hard it must be to deal with China's cyber probe . What if they find something wrong? The whole situation just seems so... complicated . Don't want to see any more foreign companies getting suspended . China needs to calm down and stop being so aggressive . We need global tech cooperation not conflict

this is getting outta hand if china's just gonna retaliate with another probe micron's already having a tough time dealing with the whole chip shortage thing, can't they just chill? i mean, both countries are all about protecting their interests, but can't we find some common ground here? it's not like micron's doing anything wrong, they're just trying to make a living in the tech industry...

this whole thing is super concerning ... i mean, china launching a cybersecurity probe on micron because they don't like us imposing restrictions on their tech exports? that's just not cool . it's like, if we're worried about our own national security, shouldn't china be too? or are they saying that's not a thing for them? either way, this is some serious escalation and i'm low-key nervous about what's gonna happen next ...