China wants domestic alternatives to US computers. Getty Images
China is replacing US processors and operating systems such as Windows in government computers with domestic alternatives.
The move is based on a “safe and reliable” technology policy adopted in December.
For years, China has pursued the goal of displacing foreign key technologies from its authorities and developing its own chip technologies.
China wants domestic alternatives for computers used by Chinese authorities that have processors from U.S. companies such as AMD and Intel. According to a report in the Financial Times, Chinese officials are now implementing a directive passed in December. Accordingly, criteria for “safe and reliable” processors and operating systems must be taken into account when purchasing computers. This also results in Microsoft’s Windows operating system and foreign-made database software being replaced by domestic alternatives. At the same time, the transition is being pushed forward in state-owned companies.
As the Financial Times reports, citing two informed sources, government agencies and state-owned companies are currently given some flexibility when purchasing computers with foreign processors.
Read too
China is massively increasing its military spending – and is issuing this warning to Taiwan’s allies
China, like other countries, has been working for several years to push key technologies from abroad out of its authorities. Previous reports said officers were ordered to stop using iPhones at work.
The USA is trying to use restrictions to prevent China from gaining access to highly developed chips that could also be used for military purposes. Given these measures, China is eager to develop its own chip technologies and has made some progress recently.
AA/dpa