China switches

End of Western chips in government computers

(Bild: Artem - stock.adobe.com)

China has begun replacing computers used by government agencies with processors from US companies AMD and Intel. A directive stipulates that criteria for "secure and reliable" processors and operating systems must be taken into account when procuring computers.

As the British "Financial Times" reported on Sunday, Chinese officials are now implementing a corresponding directive from December. The Microsoft Windows operating system and database software produced abroad will be replaced by domestic alternatives. At the same time, the changeover in state-owned companies is also being driven forward.

China - like other countries - has been working for several years to oust key technologies from abroad from its authorities. According to earlier reports, civil servants have also been instructed to stop using iPhones at work.

The USA is using restrictions to prevent China from obtaining highly developed chips that could also be used for military purposes. In view of the US measures, China is endeavoring to develop its own chip technologies - and has recently presented some progress.