Sharp China with Bill Bishop (Preview) Chips and the Geneva Consensus; US Policy and the Chinese Century; Controversy Over Solar Power Inverters
May 21, 2025
The discussion highlights the U.S. export controls on AI chips, particularly affecting Huawei's Ascend chips. Tensions rise as policymakers debate the Geneva Consensus on chip regulation. There's also a focus on U.S.-China dynamics, with plans for collaboration in AI investments with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Voices in China advocate for technological self-reliance, while rogue devices in solar inverters stir controversy. The overall narrative explores the strategic challenges and responses shaping the future of tech diplomacy.
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Huawei Chips Violate US Export Controls
- Huawei Ascend chips were produced using a cutout at TSMC despite US export controls.
- Using these chips anywhere violates US law, chilling their global adoption and usage.
China's Push for AI Tech Independence
- Xi Jinping has called for China to build an independent AI hardware and software system.
- This system aims to compete globally against NVIDIA's CUDA ecosystem, centered on Huawei's technology.
Geneva Consensus Questioned on Chip Controls
- China claims Geneva talks created a consensus on chip controls, but no clear consensus existed.
- US export control moves have triggered stern Chinese reactions to protect negotiation leverage.