Chinese Entities Leverage AWS for Advanced U.S. Tech Access

State-linked Chinese entities are using cloud services from Amazon and rivals to access advanced U.S. chips and AI capabilities, which they cannot acquire directly. Public tender documents show various Chinese research institutions and universities accessing these technologies through cloud services, bypassing U.S. export restrictions.

Recent public tender documents reveal that state-linked Chinese entities are utilizing cloud services from Amazon and its competitors to access advanced U.S. chips and artificial intelligence technologies, which are otherwise restricted. This practice does not violate existing U.S. regulations.

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) spokesperson confirmed, "AWS complies with all applicable U.S. laws, including trade laws, regarding the provision of AWS services inside and outside of China." Among the entities accessing restricted technologies are Zhejiang Lab, Shenzhen University, and Sichuan University, among others.

The documents also indicate that these entities are primarily using cloud services to enhance their AI models and computing capabilities. Despite some ambiguity about whether all purchases were finalized, these transactions highlight a workaround to U.S. export restrictions on advanced technologies.

(With inputs from agencies.)