Beijing tells companies to pause H200 purchases — China govt deliberating terms for letting local tech companies buy US chips while still growing homegrown semiconductors

Beijing has instructed Chinese tech companies to pause their plans to purchase Nvidia H200 chips temporarily as the government deliberates on terms for allowing local businesses to acquire US chips while still promoting domestic semiconductor growth. Despite President Trump's approval for H200 exports to China, the government is strategizing on balancing support for local chipmaking with AI development. Chinese companies are eager for these chips, even with uncertainties, as Beijing is yet to announce clear guidelines. The CCP is considering potential requirements for companies to buy a mix of foreign and local chips to support both industries.