The Sino-US chip war: technological blockade and independent breakthrough
In 2024, the competition between China and the United States in key science and technology areas will further escalate. The United States has continued to increase its chip war against China, aiming to contain the rise of China's technological power. China is accelerating independent innovation in science and technology, focusing on building a local chip industry chain and reducing dependence on foreign countries. The wrestling between the two sides in advanced processes, artificial intelligence and other fields will continue for a long time, and the global chip industry pattern is undergoing profound changes.
The United States escalates its chip blockade against China
In order to maintain its leading position in key technology fields such as chips, the United States has increased its technological blockade against China. Its key initiatives include:
Expansion of the Export Control List
In October 2022, the United States issued a series of new regulations to strictly restrict the export of advanced chips, chip manufacturing equipment and software in artificial intelligence, supercomputing and other fields to China. In October 2023, the U.S. once again issued a series of new restrictions, aiming to close loopholes in existing control measures.
The United States not only restricts the export of advanced chips and equipment to China, but also requires allies to follow suit and prevent the provision of repair and maintenance services to China. The U.S. is reportedly urging the Netherlands to block lithography giant ASML from providing repair services to Chinese customers and asking Japanese companies to restrict exports of key chemicals such as photoresist to China.
Cracking down on Chinese tech companies
The U.S. has added Chinese technology companies such as Huawei and ZTE to the "Entity List" of export controls, cutting off their access to key technologies and products. In 2023, Huawei will launch a new mobile phone using domestic chips, which will exceed the expectations of the United States, causing great concern and increased pressure in the United States.
Attract allies to the Restrictions
The United States has been pushing for joint action by allies such as the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea to jointly restrict chip technology exports to China. Although companies such as the Netherlands' ASML and Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical have reacted lukewarmly to the new US demands, they have generally joined the US restriction camp.
The measures are aimed at cutting off China's access to advanced chip-making technology, thereby curbing China's development in key technology areas. China has not stopped there, but has accelerated the pace of independent innovation in science and technology.
China is accelerating its independent breakthrough in science and technology
In the face of the technological blockade by the United States, the Chinese government and enterprises have stepped up independent innovation, focused on building a local chip industry chain, and promoted independent and controllable substitution.
Policies strongly support scientific and technological innovation
The Chinese government has issued a number of policies to support independent innovation in science and technology, such as the "Opinions on Comprehensively Promoting the Reform of the Science and Technology System". In 2022, China's chip industry invested more than 140 billion yuan to promote the development of the local industrial chain.
Increase investment in chip localization
Chinese technology companies have increased R&D investment to overcome key technologies such as chip manufacturing. In 2023, Huawei will launch a new mobile phone using domestic chips, which has exceeded expectations, demonstrating China's progress in independent chip innovation.
Accelerate the domestic substitution of the industrial chain
China vigorously develops the design, manufacturing, packaging and testing of domestic chips, and promotes the localization process of the entire industrial chain. SMIC, YMTC and other companies have made breakthroughs in advanced processes, memory chips and other fields.
Although there is still a large gap with the United States in the field, China's independent scientific and technological innovation is entering the fast lane, and it is expected to narrow the technological gap with the United States in the future. The competition between the two sides in key technology areas will continue for a long time.
The global chip landscape is changing
In the context of the game between China and the United States as a major technology country, the global chip industry pattern is undergoing profound changes. On the one hand, the United States and its allies have stepped up their technological blockade of China; On the other hand, China has accelerated the independent innovation of science and technology, forming a domestic substitution of the industrial chain.
The American coalition is divided
While the U.S. has been pushing allies to join the ranks of chip restrictions on China, the country has been lukewarm to the new U.S. requirements, arguing that the effectiveness of existing restrictions needs to be assessed. This reflects a split in the US-led technology blockade coalition.
The global industrial chain is facing restructuring
As China accelerates the process of chip localization, the global chip industry chain is undergoing reconstruction. Chinese companies have made breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing processes, memory chips and other fields, which will change the global industrial landscape.
Emerging markets have become the new battleground
In addition to competition in the field of traditional chips, emerging technology markets such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse will also become a new wrestling ground between China and the United States. Both sides are increasing their investment in these areas and competing for the dominance of future science and technology.
The global chip industry is undergoing a profound reshaping. The battle between China and the United States as a major technology country will continue for a long time and will affect the direction of the global industrial chain. Enterprises need to pay close attention to this change and adjust their strategic layout in a timely manner.
Chip technology is the strategic commanding heights of today's world. The wrestling between China and the United States in this field is not only related to the scientific and technological strength of both sides, but also will have a profound impact on the global industrial pattern and future development direction.
On the one hand, the United States has increased its technological blockade of China, and on the other hand, it is also accelerating the development of the domestic chip industry; China is promoting independent innovation in science and technology, and it is also accelerating the pace of localization and substitution. The competition between the two sides in the fields of advanced manufacturing processes, artificial intelligence, and memory chips will continue for a long time, and the global industrial chain will also be reshaped.