alt Hacker NewsDistros cannot realistically work without hardware support. Hardware is designed in America. The licensing for the software to use the hardware is controlled by the United States
I mean I can write a kernel right now with all the computer systems theory implemented, but without the architecture specs, the firmware, etc, this is completely useless.
Licensing can be ignored. Specs can be stolen. You think China cares about enforcing American copyright in the slightest? One way other countries can retaliate against American tariffs and invasions is to start ignoring American copyright and IP laws.