China’s $40 Billion Investment in Computer Chips: Countering the US Trade Ban
hina Amidst the ongoing efforts by the United States to restrict China’s chip production, it appears that China is taking strategic steps to fortify its semiconductor industry, signaling resilience in the face of challenges. A recent report from Reuters sheds light on China’s latest move in this arena, highlighting a state-sponsored initiative that could have significant implications.
The China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund is gearing up for its third major endeavor, with the ambitious goal of raising a staggering 300 billion yuan ($41 billion) in capital. This fund has previously demonstrated its ability to garner substantial resources, with 138.7 billion yuan ($19 billion) in 2014 and 200 billion yuan ($27 billion) in 2019. While the primary contributor is expected to be China’s finance ministry, the identities of other participants remain undisclosed, though past supporters have included entities like China Telecom and China National Tobacco Corporation. A substantial portion of this capital infusion is earmarked for the advancement of tools and resources vital to chip manufacturing.
This move comes on the heels of Huawei’s recent announcement of its latest smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, equipped with domestically developed chips. In partnership with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), Huawei unveiled the innovative Kirin 9000s chip, showcasing the prowess of Chinese chip technology. Particularly noteworthy is SMIC’s advanced 7nm technology, which empowers the Mate 60 Pro with download speeds that surpass those found in typical 5G smartphones.
This revelation about the Mate 60 Pro and its capabilities stands in stark contrast to the combined efforts of the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands to restrict China’s access to chips and impede its manufacturing capabilities. President Biden’s executive order in August, aimed at tightening investment restrictions on Chinese firms involved in technologies like semiconductors, reflects the U.S. stance on this matter. Notably, previous restrictions have directly impacted companies like Huawei, including a January ban on licenses for exporting U.S. technology to the Chinese tech giant.
As China forges ahead with initiatives to bolster its semiconductor industry and strengthen its domestic chip manufacturing capabilities, the global tech landscape is set for further evolution and competition in the semiconductor sector. The extent of the impact of these efforts on the international chip industry remains to be seen, but China’s determination to become a significant player in this field is undeniable.
