Bipartisan Lawmakers Question Intel’s Testing of ACM Tools Over China Ties
A bipartisan group led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton questioned Intel’s testing of ACM Research’s chipmaking tools, citing ACM’s deep China ties and potential to transfer cutting-edge processes to sanctioned firms. Lawmakers noted Intel’s unique obligation to secure taxpayer interests after the U.S. government acquired a stake.
1. Bipartisan Letter Raises Security Concerns
On March 4, a group of six senators led by Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton sent Intel’s CEO a letter expressing national security worries over the company’s evaluation of ACM Research equipment. Lawmakers highlighted that operating ACM tools within Intel facilities could expose proprietary chipmaking processes to Chinese military interests.
2. ACM Research’s China Connections
ACM Research, based in Fremont, California, operates two overseas units previously targeted by U.S. sanctions and supplies equipment to sanctioned firms YMTC, CXMT and SMIC. The senators warned this relationship could enable ACM to glean advanced process details and pass them to Chinese customers.
3. Intel’s Response and Government Stake
Intel stated that ACM tools are not used in its production lines and affirmed full compliance with U.S. regulations. Lawmakers underscored Intel’s heightened fiduciary responsibility to protect American economic interests after the U.S. government took an ownership stake in the company.