Intel Tests Tools from Sanctioned China-Linked Firm

Intel, a big company that makes computer chips, has been testing some special tools made by a company called ACM Research.

ACM has some parts of its business in China that are under U.S. sanctions because of concerns about military use.

Intel wants to see if these tools can be used in their newest and most advanced chipmaking process, which is set to start in 2027.

Some people in the U.S. are worried that using tools from a company with ties to China could be a problem for national security.

They think it might let China learn too much about how the U.S. makes chips or even cause problems with the chips.

But ACM says they have strong safeguards to protect their customers and that their U.S. operations are separate from the sanctioned parts.

The Chinese government says that trade between companies should not be politicized.

ACM is a smaller player in the global market but is trying to grow, and their tools are cheaper than those from other big companies.