Bloomberg's Peter Elstrom and Mackenzie Hawkins explain why Huawei's new Mate 60 Pro phone is alarming the US government. They discuss the significance of the advanced chip, US restrictions on chipmakers, and the dilemmas for the Netherlands and Japan in navigating US-China relations. The podcast explores China's creative approach to semiconductors, the uncertain future for China's chip production, and advancements in semiconductor technology. Overall, it highlights the ongoing US-China tech cold war and the impact on Huawei's smartphone business.
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Quick takeaways
Huawei's new Mate 60 Pro phone, powered by a highly sophisticated seven nanometer chip, has raised concerns for the US government due to its advanced technology surpassing expectations of China's capabilities in chip manufacturing.
The release of Huawei's Mate 60 Pro smartphone with its advanced semiconductor technology highlights China's rapid progress in the tech sector, despite US attempts to restrict its access to advanced chip manufacturing materials and equipment, underscoring the escalating US-China tech rivalry.
Deep dives
Huawei's Quiet Release of Mate 60 Pro Smartphone Raises Concerns
Huawei, a Chinese technology giant, quietly released its Mate 60 Pro smartphone online, catching global attention due to the advanced technology it possesses. The phone is powered by a seven nanometer chip, which is a significant step forward for Huawei after being affected by US controls. The chip's sophistication has raised concerns for the US government, as it surpasses expectations of China's capabilities in chip manufacturing. Huawei's ability to acquire domestic supply of these semiconductors not only strengthens its smartphone business but also poses potential implications for military applications.
US-China Tech Cold War Intensifies as Huawei's New Phone Exposes Chip Progress
The release of Huawei's Mate 60 Pro smartphone with its advanced semiconductor technology coincided with the visit of the US Commerce Secretary to China. This showcased China's rapid progress in the tech sector, despite the US attempts to restrict its access to advanced chip manufacturing materials and equipment. The chip inside the phone, which was a surprise discovery, is produced by Chinese company SMIC and is considered a generation ahead of previous expectations. This development underscores the escalating US-China tech rivalry and the challenges the US faces in curbing China's technological advancements.
Export Control Failures: US Struggles to Halt China's Technological Advancement
The US government's export controls aimed at curbing China's access to advanced chip-making technology have faced setbacks and unintended consequences. These controls have inadvertently allowed China to import advanced chip-making equipment from the Netherlands and Japan, leading to the production of Huawei's seven nanometer chip. Although the US aims to ramp up export controls and seek closer cooperation with its allies, challenges arise as these allies, such as the Netherlands and Japan, continue to sell machines and equipment to China. The US is now grappling with the need to remedy export control failures while maintaining diplomatic relations and preventing its own allies from indirectly aiding China's technological progress.
Bloomberg’s Peter Elstrom and Mackenzie Hawkins join this episode to explain why the microchip inside Huawei’s new Mate 60 Pro phone is alarming the US government.