The move -- part of a series of actions before President Joe Biden leaves office -- comes days after US officials announced fresh curbs on AI chip exports, seeking to make it harder for Beijing to access the advanced technology.

"These rules will further target and strengthen our controls to help ensure that the PRC and others who seek to circumvent our laws and undermine US national security fail in their efforts," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

Washington has expanded its efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, but there have been concerns about the circumvention of restrictions.

The latest controls aim to hold back China from getting high-end advanced computing semiconductors needed to develop tech like artificial intelligence used in military applications, the Commerce Department said.

"By enhancing due diligence requirements, we are holding foundries accountable for verifying that their chips are not being diverted to restricted entities," said Alan Estevez, Commerce Department under secretary for industry and security.