For U.S. lawmakers, export controls aren’t just about technology. They’re all about slowing China’s military growth and protecting American interests. Silicon photonics and other cutting-edge tech could redefine modern warfare. And if China gains access to these advancements, it could mean a power shift that’s hard to ignore.
Export controls are, in essence, a shield against this. By limiting tech transfers, the U.S. hopes to curb China’s rapid military rise. This isn’t just policy—it’s strategy.
The Role of Export Controls in Slowing China’s Military Growth
Export controls serve as a firewall, blocking technology with potential military uses from leaving U.S. borders. In many cases, it’s the smallest technological components, like silicon photonics chips or advanced processors, that can make or break a nation’s defense capability. With controls in place, China’s access to critical tech slows, giving the U.S. a chance to stay ahead.
The rapid advancements China has made in AI and photonics signal more than just technological growth. They’re a roadmap toward stronger military power. Export restrictions act as speed bumps, slowing the spread of these critical tech assets and keeping China’s military capabilities in check.
How Dual-Use Technology Fuels Military Concerns
Tech that has both civilian and military applications—known as dual-use tech—adds to the urgency of these controls. China has a reputation for taking dual-use tech and integrating it into its military in ways the U.S. finds troubling. Silicon photonics, designed for data centers and consumer tech, could easily be adapted to enhance military systems. This adaptability is what makes dual-use tech both a marvel and a risk.
For lawmakers, the dual-use nature of silicon photonics isn’t just a technical detail; it’s the reason they’re sounding the alarm. When U.S.-designed technology crosses borders, there’s no telling how it could be used—or how fast it might be turned against American forces.
Closing the Tech Gap
Restricting China’s access to advanced technology is more than a move to protect intellectual property. It’s a way to maintain a critical advantage in the global tech race. While China makes strides in military tech, the U.S. remains intent on holding the lead. By controlling what leaves the country, the U.S. hopes to keep China’s military power in check, maintaining a strategic edge.
The stakes are high, and the implications are broad. As China advances, lawmakers see every piece of tech as a potential weapon. In a world where small chips can change the face of warfare, export controls are about more than economics—they’re about securing the future.