How Export Controls, Sanctions Restricted Chinese Access to US Tech in 2020

January 21, 2021 | BY

Vincent Chow

Sanctions and export controls remained the primary tools of the Trump administration for restricting Chinese entities' access to U.S. technology. The administration has fine-tuned export controls to extend U.S. jurisdiction to more transactions, a primary focus being Chinese companies with military ties due to China's state policy of military-civilian fusion.

In its last year in office, the Trump administration's efforts to prevent Chinese companies from accessing U.S. technologies reached new heights. The U.S. government deployed trade and sanctions tools including new licensing requirements and various blacklists that both heightened scrutiny of Chinese entities and increased the compliance burden of foreign entities exporting to China.