Trump temporarily drops export controls to smooth negotiations with China

The Trump administration has temporarily dropped export controls on key AI chips and other technology to China, in an effort to facilitate a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate a trade deal. This move is seen as a strategic concession to avoid further retaliation from China, such as restricting the export of crucial rare earths and magnets. The decision, reportedly made by the US Commerce Department, has faced criticism from security experts and former officials, who argue that it endangers the US's economic and military edge in artificial intelligence, as the exported technology could be used to modernize and expand the Chinese military. The article also notes that NVIDIA, a major chip manufacturer, has been assured that licenses will be granted, allowing them to resume selling key AI chips to China, which were previously blocked by the Department of Commerce.