The podcast discusses the ongoing trade war between the US and China over semiconductor chips, the control and supply chain of chips, China's warning shot of curtailing gallium and germanium, the distinct behaviors of wolves compared to dogs, and the supply chain dynamics between the US and China.
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Quick takeaways
The US aims to cut off China's ability to create advanced technology and maintain dominance in the semiconductor supply chain.
The Biden administration's restrictions on chip exports to China are driven by a shift in the perception of the US-China relationship, aiming to maintain a significant lead in technological advancements and ensure the US's dominance in critical technologies.
Deep dives
Trade War Between US and China over Semiconductor Chips
The US and China are engaged in a prolonged trade war over semiconductor chips that started a few years ago. This week, China restricted the export of gallium and germanium, rare earth materials crucial for semiconductor chips. This move is a response to the US's decision last fall to stop selling advanced chips and the technology to make them to China. These chips are essential for various industries, including artificial intelligence. The US aims to cut off China's ability to create advanced technology and maintain dominance in the semiconductor supply chain.
The Significance of Semiconductor Chips and the Need for National Security
Semiconductor chips are fundamental components used in various technological devices and industries. Advanced chips are crucial for AI models, military modernization, and surveillance systems. The US is concerned about its national security and preventing these chips from being used against them or for human rights abuses. The Biden administration's restrictions on chip exports to China are driven by a shift in the perception of the US-China relationship, aiming to maintain a significant lead in technological advancements and ensure the US's dominance in critical technologies.
Complexities and Challenges Surrounding the Semiconductor Supply Chain
The semiconductor supply chain is highly globalized and interdependent, making it challenging to disentangle the US and China's economies. Efforts to decouple or de-risk from China face hurdles due to the decades-long accumulation of knowledge, specialized machinery, and international collaboration in the industry. The US and China both have leverage points that can be squeezed to exert pressure, but such actions may have spillover effects and harm their own economies. China's dominance in rare earth materials, like gallium and germanium, poses an additional challenge for the US in reducing its dependence on Chinese resources.
Semiconductors are used in just about every piece of technology. The US wants to limit what China can do with them. Alex W. Palmer explains the latest front in the fight for tech dominance.
This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.