FT Reports That Apple Is Lobbying to Buy Memory Chips From Blacklisted Chinese Company CXMT
Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for permission to buy memory chips from CXMT, a Chinese company blacklisted by the Pentagon over alleged ties to the People’s Liberation Army. Congressional leaders, including the Republican chair of the House China committee, strongly oppose the move, warning it would harm US national security and increase reliance on China for critical supply chains.
Background
Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for permission to buy memory chips from CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies), a Chinese DRAM manufacturer that the Pentagon has placed on its "Chinese Military Company" blacklist (Section 1260H list) due to alleged ties to the People's Liberation Army. Though not formally banned from doing business with CXMT, Apple seeks explicit clearance — likely fearing political or legal blowback. CXMT is seen as China's national champion in DRAM (the type of memory used in PCs and servers), and critics argue that buying from it would prop up a state-subsidized rival, undercutting US memory makers like Micron and weakening supply-chain security. This story is being reported against the backdrop of Apple's announced leadership transition: Tim Cook will become executive chairman in 2026, with John Ternus taking over as CEO, though Cook will remain heavily involved in policy and government engagement.