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The United States has reportedly deployed covert tracking devices on shipments of advanced semiconductors to monitor potential breaches of export restrictions aimed at limiting China’s access to critical technology, according to an exclusive Reuters investigation. Citing unnamed officials familiar with the matter, the report details how U.S. authorities are embedding physical trackers in packaging and even inside sensitive equipment like servers to trace attempts to reroute controlled chips to Chinese entities. The tactics, partially implemented through the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security with support from agencies like the FBI, aim to gather evidence against companies and individuals suspected of violating export bans enacted in 2022 over national security concerns.

China has repeatedly criticized the restrictions, labeling them a “malicious blockade” and accusing the U.S. of weaponizing trade policies. The measures target cutting-edge semiconductors vital for artificial intelligence and military applications, which Washington claims could empower Beijing’s strategic advancements. Meanwhile, recent trade developments have introduced layers of complexity. On Monday, former President Donald Trump authorized Nvidia and AMD to resume limited chip exports to China, including Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 processors, under a deal requiring both firms to allocate 15% of related revenues to the U.S. government. However, Chinese officials have privately cautioned domestic companies against deploying Nvidia’s H20 in government or defense projects, Bloomberg reported, citing fears that embedded U.S. technology could enable data leaks.

The approvals coincided with a 90-day extension of a tariff truce between Washington and Beijing, temporarily averting the reinstatement of tariffs exceeding 120% on billions in bilateral trade. Earlier this year, tit-for-tat levies had escalated to 145% on some Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. imports, reflecting deepening economic tensions. A preliminary agreement struck in London in June outlined a fragile compromise: the U.S. pledged to ease some chip export controls in exchange for China loosening restrictions on rare-earth minerals essential for semiconductor manufacturing.

Analysts suggest the tracking initiative underscores U.S. efforts to tighten enforcement while balancing economic interests. Semiconductor trade remains a focal point in the broader tech rivalry, with both nations maneuvering to safeguard supply chains and strategic advantages. The Biden administration has yet to comment on the alleged tracking measures, though experts note such methods could heighten diplomatic friction. As geopolitical and economic stakes intensify, the interplay of cooperation and competition in tech trade continues to define one of the era’s most consequential bilateral relationships.