Gina Raimondo Leads U.S. Tech Competition Against China

In a recent interview, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed her frustrations and challenges in managing the dual priorities of national security and economic growth. Highlighting her department's role in implementing export controls on advanced semiconductor chips to China, she emphasized the importance of ensuring that more chips are produced domestically and in allied countries. This strategic approach is part of a broader effort to safeguard U.S. technological leadership while navigating the complexities of international relations. Raimondo acknowledged the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of these export controls, particularly the Biden administration's "small yard, high fence" strategy aimed at limiting China's access to critical technologies. She revealed that her team is currently gathering data to assess the impact of these measures, although results have yet to be made public. Despite China's advancements, such as the production of a 7 nanometer chip for Huawei, Raimondo remains confident that the U.S. retains a competitive edge, citing a lack of evidence that China can produce these chips at scale. The Commerce Department's initial export controls, enacted in October 2022, marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards China. Raimondo stressed the necessity of building coalitions and securing broad support for initiatives, asserting that national interests must take precedence over profit. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, she believes that the U.S. is now more secure due to these efforts, underscoring her commitment to continuous improvement in safeguarding national interests.