Malaysia is tightening controls on the trade of advanced US-made AI chips by requiring export permits, signaling a move to prevent these high-tech components from being rerouted to restricted destinations like China. This step aligns with broader global efforts to regulate the flow of sensitive technology.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s a strategic play in the ongoing tech tug-of-war between the US and China. Malaysia’s new rule could disrupt supply chains for AI hardware, affecting companies that rely on these chips while reinforcing US-led efforts to limit China’s access to cutting-edge tech. For businesses and policymakers, it’s another sign that the rules of global tech trade are getting stricter.