Two Chinese Nationals Indicted for Illegally Exporting Semiconductor Equipment to China

The U.S. Department of Justice charges highlight ongoing tensions in tech trade between the U.S. and China.

Two individuals, Anson Li and Lin Chen, face charges for attempting to export a semiconductor dicing machine to a blacklisted Chinese company, Chengdu GaStone Technology Company.
The indictment, revealing actions between May 2015 and August 2018, was unsealed this week, with Chen arrested in Chicago.
The machinery in question requires special licensing under U.S. export laws, which the accused allegedly attempted to circumvent.
Violations could lead to severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and significant fines for each defendant.
The case underscores broader U.S.-China tensions over technology transfer and national security.