Beijing announced a cybersecurity review of Micron Technology, a top-tier U.S. chip maker, on March 31. The New York Times says the measure, which many industry analysts had expected, is China’s most significant stroke of retaliation against Washington over its campaign to sever China’s access to high-end chips.

China’s internet watchdog said it was conducting a review of Micron’s products sold in the country to “safeguard the security of the information infrastructure supply chain.” Mao Ning, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, characterized the review as a “normal regulatory measure” focused on products that could affect national security.

Based in Boise, Idaho, Micron Technology makes memory chips used in phones, computers, data centers, cars and other electronics. It has long-standing ties in China and is an emblem of America’s leading position in the global semiconductor industry. But now Micron has gotten ensnared in China’s drive to become self-sufficient in advanced technology.

China’s decision to put Micron under review followed sweeping restrictions placed by the United States on China’s semiconductor industry. Those measures, unveiled in October 2022, targeted some of Micron’s Chinese competitors.