Akihabara News — Samsung Electronics has ceased the supply of its AI chips to Baidu, a significant move prompted by stringent US export controls aimed at China. The decision, which took effect on January 22, involves the cessation of packaging for the AI chip known as “Kunlun.” This development impacts Baidu’s high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, as the Kunlun chip was crucial for their AI initiatives.
The Kunlun chip was part of a collaboration between Samsung and Baidu since its introduction in 2019. The halt in supply reflects the broader implications of the escalating tech tensions between the United States and China, with the US government implementing increasingly tight regulations on advanced technology exports to China.
This strategic pivot by Samsung underscores the delicate balance the company must maintain between business opportunities and compliance with international trade laws. For Baidu, the cessation of the Kunlun chip supply could potentially slow down its AI development projects, pushing the company to seek alternative solutions or accelerate its own chip development efforts.
The move is part of a series of actions following US export restrictions on advanced semiconductors, which have been expanded to include more countries and technologies. These restrictions aim to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technology, particularly in areas like AI and high-performance computing, which are seen as critical for both economic and national security reasons.
Samsung and Baidu have not issued further statements on the matter beyond acknowledging the halt in supply, and no additional details regarding the impact on their respective operations or future collaborations have been disclosed.
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