China May Allow Alibaba and ByteDance to Purchase Nvidia's New Chips

China is considering whether to allow Alibaba, ByteDance and other domestic companies to purchase Nvidia's new chips.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has asked companies to submit their plans for purchasing Nvidia's RTX PRO 5500 chips. According to available information, the ministry has already signaled to some companies that it plans to approve their orders.

The RTX PRO 5500 is a chip designed for high-end professional computers. Industry representatives expect the product to fall outside US export restrictions, which would make it easier for Chinese companies to access Nvidia's technology.

Nvidia states that American companies are simultaneously hampered by outdated US export rules and by restrictions China has imposed on American products.

Alibaba and ByteDance have not confirmed the information, and Chinese authorities have not offered any comment.

Source: Reuters