Apple wants permission to buy memory from an unnamed Chinese supplier

Apple is looking to reduce some of the stress on its operations looking for something different from the Trump administration to buy RAM chips from CXMT, a company that was singled out by the Pentagon for its ties to the People’s Liberation Army, according to Financial Times. The skyrocketing prices of RAM and storage have caused Apple to raise the prices of almost all of its products this week, so it stands to reason that it will be looking for alternatives.

By law, Apple is not prohibited from buying chips from CXMT, but doing business with a company linked to the Chinese military could damage its reputation. It is possible that CXMT would remain a target for export controls to undermine US security. The company was on the so-called “Entity List” by the Commerce Department, but it was put on hold because the White House was in the middle of trade talks with China.

It’s unclear whether regulators will approve Apple. Tim Cook spent a lot of time trying building bridges and the Trump administration, showing the President and gaudy sculptures and go to the exhibition of Melania film, directed by accused of rape Brett Ratner. But if the White House approves Apple, such an idea could face a serious challenge. John Moolenaar, the Republican chairman of the House China committee, told reporters Financial Times that:

“Apple choosing to cooperate with a Chinese military company would be a big mistake… Helping (the Chinese Communist Party) to succeed in its idea of ​​controlling complex chains will make our country’s technology industry and our economy dependent on China at a time when we need to build safe technology chains and partners,” he said.