Infineon To Supply Security Chips To China

FRANKFURT (AP) — Infineon Technologies AG said Wednesday it was selected by the Chinese government as their supplier of security-chip technology for new electronic passports.

The Neubiberg, Germany-based company announced it started deliveries to the passport project recently. Starting in 2010, the Chinese government will issue electronic passports expected to number about 6.5 million annually. Chinese citizens currently hold about 30 million passports, typically valid for 10 years.

All of the electronic passports will include a security microcontroller in the back cover of the document. It will contain the same information that is printed on the document.

"Security being a key area for Infineon, we feel confirmed in our efforts to provide high-quality, superior security products that successfully passed the world's most stringent security tests," said Helmut Gassel, president of the chip card and security division at Infineon, in a statement.

The company did not release any financial details.

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