China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has instructed domestic technology companies—including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent—to suspend purchases and testing of Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D GPUs. The directive tightens Beijing’s restrictions on foreign hardware and underscores its accelerating push for semiconductor self-reliance amid intensifying U.S.-China tech tensions.
Nvidia’s AI Hardware Targeted
The RTX Pro 6000D, a high-performance graphics processor optimized for AI workloads, was among the few Nvidia models still available in China after Washington imposed strict export controls on advanced semiconductors. By banning even this product, Beijing signals a determination to reduce reliance on U.S. technology and pivot toward domestic alternatives.
Self-Reliance as Strategic Priority
China has set an ambitious target: producing 70% of its semiconductor demand locally by 2027. To achieve this, Beijing has directed billions in funding toward homegrown players such as Huawei’s HiSilicon, Biren Technology, and Cambricon. The CAC’s move is designed not only to address security concerns but also to accelerate the rise of domestic champions in AI and chipmaking.
Implications for China’s Tech Giants
For firms like ByteDance and Alibaba, the restriction could create short-term bottlenecks in AI model training and data center operations. Still, analysts say Beijing is willing to accept transitional disruptions if it means long-term independence. Many companies are already experimenting with Huawei’s Ascend processors and other indigenous chip designs to replace Nvidia hardware in critical workloads.
Part of a Broader Tech Rivalry
The order comes against the backdrop of U.S. export bans that prevent Nvidia from selling its most advanced chips—such as the A100 and H100—into China. Washington has argued that limiting access to cutting-edge processors will slow China’s advances in AI, supercomputing, and military applications. Beijing’s countermeasure demonstrates that the rivalry is increasingly reciprocal, with both sides restricting technology flows.
Toward a Fragmented Tech Ecosystem
As supply chains adapt, the CAC’s directive marks another step toward a more fragmented global technology landscape. Instead of deep interdependence, U.S. and Chinese firms are now innovating in parallel silos, a trend with far-reaching consequences for global AI progress, chip markets, and digital economies.
