ChinaTalk China's Chip Dreams
Mar 27, 2021
John Verwey, an expert on the Chinese semiconductor industry and former government strategist, dives deep into the evolution of China’s chip sector. He discusses government funding influences and contrasts China’s ambitious initiatives with the slow progress of its semiconductor goals. Verwey explores the implications of the U.S. CHIPS Act on global technology dynamics and sheds light on the challenges of export controls. He highlights the strategic choices China faces in its quest for self-sufficiency and technological dominance in the industry.
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China's Semiconductor Struggle
- China's semiconductor industry is struggling to advance as quickly or broadly as desired.
- Progress in design, fabrication, and assembly/testing is mixed, with some signs of hope but overall slower than planned.
Early Semiconductor Efforts in China
- From 1956-1990, China's semiconductor efforts focused on state-led planning and indigenous innovation.
- This approach yielded limited progress, with factories producing chips 10-15 years behind the leading edge and low yields.
Apple and TSMC
- Apple Watch uses the most advanced chips, demonstrating the demand for leading-edge technology.
- TSMC benefits from Apple's demand, showcasing the rewards of being at the cutting edge.