Senators propose plan to stem flow of US tech to adversaries

A bipartisan pair of US senators have introduced a bill aimed at better enforcing export controls that so far have failed to stem the flow of sensitive technology to foreign adversaries.

The plan, from Senators Mitt Romney and Maggie Hassan, would create a centre to coordinate efforts to stop the shipment of US semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum technology to countries such as China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

The legislation would seek to fund the centre with US$25 million in financial year 2025.

The US has turned to economic tools such as sanctions and export controls to keep US technology out of the hands of its enemies, especially after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.