Chinese Universities Acquire Restricted AI Servers Despite U.S. Ban
Four Chinese universities, including two with ties to the People’s Liberation Army, purchased servers from Super Micro Computer equipped with restricted AI chips over the past year, according to procurement records. This comes as the United States continues tightening export controls on advanced semiconductor technology to China.
The exact sourcing route of these servers remains unclear.
U.S. Restrictions on Advanced AI Chips
Due to concerns that artificial intelligence could strengthen China’s military capabilities, the United States began restricting exports in 2022. These measures included banning high-performance chips such as the Nvidia A100, produced by Nvidia.
Super Micro Under Scrutiny
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Super Micro recently came under intense scrutiny after three individuals linked to the company, including its co-founder, were charged with allegedly facilitating the smuggling of at least $2.5 billion worth of U.S. AI technology to China.
The company itself was not named in the indictment and maintains that it was a victim of a sophisticated scheme carried out by those individuals.
Ongoing Access to Restricted Technology
Reports dating back to 2024 already indicated that Chinese universities had obtained restricted chips through servers manufactured by Super Micro and other firms. The continuation of such purchases—particularly by institutions connected to China’s military—has raised fresh concerns among U.S. policymakers.
In response, two U.S. senators recently urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to consider halting export licenses for advanced Nvidia AI chips and server systems destined for China or routed through Southeast Asian intermediaries.
Additional Procurement Attempts in 2025
Further investigations into public tender documents from 2025 reveal that two more universities, including one with military ties, attempted to acquire similar systems. However, it remains uncertain whether these transactions were successfully completed.
Super Micro declined to comment on these findings, while Nvidia stated it continues to cooperate closely with both customers and U.S. authorities to ensure compliance with evolving export regulations.
Neither China’s Ministry of Commerce nor the U.S. Department of Commerce provided responses to requests for comment.
A Growing Geopolitical Flashpoint
The issue of AI chip exports remains highly sensitive, with ongoing uncertainty about how many sales will ultimately be permitted by both Washington and Beijing.
The Trump administration previously approved the export of Nvidia’s H200 chips—more advanced than currently restricted models—though under strict conditions that may limit their distribution.
At the same time, China has been encouraging domestic companies to reduce reliance on U.S. chips and support local semiconductor development. However, recent reports suggest that Nvidia may have received approval from Beijing to sell H200 chips, although no confirmed transactions have been disclosed.
Military Implications of AI Technology
Experts warn that continued access to advanced AI chips could significantly accelerate China’s defense capabilities. According to Jacob Feldgoise from Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, such technology could enhance weapons design, military logistics, autonomous systems, and surveillance operations.
Evidence from University Procurement Documents
One example includes Beihang University, part of China’s elite “Seven Sons of National Defense” institutions. A procurement notice dated March 16 confirmed the acquisition of a machine-learning workstation based on a Super Micro system, equipped with four Nvidia A100 chips.
Similarly, the Harbin Institute of Technology—another member of the “Seven Sons” known for its work in missile, satellite, and robotics technologies—reported in July that it had purchased a Super Micro system containing eight Nvidia A100 chips.
Both institutions, which are listed on U.S. export blacklists, did not respond to requests for comment. Their inclusion on these lists makes it significantly more difficult for U.S. companies to legally supply them with advanced technology.
