German secret service opposes AMD Asia transfer plans

CHIP FIRM AMD could be forced to abandon elements of its plans to shift some of its production to Chartered Semiconductor to Singapore, it has emerged.

We reported a week ago that objections had been made to the export of engineering tech to Singapore, after the government claimed the chips could be used for both for military and civilian purposes.

The German secret service appears to fear that China may use AMD process technology and chips for its war effort.

Now, according to c't, citing a Spiegel story, it appears that managers at AMD may modify its plans facing the possibility it will be unable to shift 65 nano tech to Chartered in Singapore.

It could mean the loss of 1,000 jobs, claims c't. Several government departments have opposed the transfer of the tech but the most important is probably the German Secret Service.

However, according to Spiegel, the Chancellor's office has said AMD will get permission to transfer its technology.

One stumbling block is that Gerhard Schroeder may not be the Chancellor for long - any future holder of this post may take a different view and impose further restrictions.

The government agencies, we understand, are still firmly against such a move. The INQ has contacted AMD for its comment on the politicking - so far we've had no comment from the firm. µ

L'INQ
Spiegel
c't

See Also
German ministry ponders AMD export licence
AMD in trouble over chip export plans