THE British government has ordered China-registered Future Technology Devices International Holding to sell 80.2 per cent of Scotland-based chip company FTDI over national security risks, reports Reuters.

"The order has the effect of requiring FTIDHL to sell FTDI within a specified period and by following a specified process," the government said in a statement.

The government said it was concerned that the UK-developed semiconductor technology and associated intellectual property could be deployed in ways that were contrary to UK national security.