GOP Senator Pushes Anti-Smuggling Aid to Malaysia

Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, has urged the Trump administration to assist Malaysia in halting the smuggling of U.S. artificial intelligence chips to China. A letter obtained by Reuters highlights Cotton's call for the development of specific screening programs to ensure chips remain out of prohibited hands.

Cotton's communication, dated October 30, stressed an innovative approach that involves embedding U.S. chips with technology for location verification. Pre-approved chips with these anti-diversion features should simplify export processes to Malaysia, a significant partner for U.S. trade in the region, he argued.

Meanwhile, Malaysia, recognized as China's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, has already begun enforcing stricter export controls on U.S.-produced high-performance chips. Cotton sees this as an opportunity for collaboration between U.S. and Malaysian authorities to prioritize customs clearance for compliant chips.