TechInsights recently shared insights about Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, revealing that it runs on an advanced 7-nanometer processor, the Kirin 9000s chip. This chip, fabricated by China’s top chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), marks a significant step for China’s semiconductor sector. The device’s launch came without full disclosure about the chipset’s capabilities, leaving room for speculation and later analysis.
Key takeaways from the TechInsights report:
- The Mate 60 Pro was launched last week.
- The device can facilitate satellite calls, but Huawei remained silent on chipset details.
- The Kirin 9000 chip is the first to employ SMIC’s 7nm technology.
Implications on China-US Relations
The Mate 60 Pro’s launch has not only captured the attention of Chinese social media users but has also sparked discussions amidst state media, especially given its coinciding timeline with the visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo. In 2019, the U.S. limited Huawei’s access to essential chipmaking tools, subsequently constraining its launch capacity.
Bloomberg News first reported these findings. Huawei’s ability to bounce back, despite challenges, sends a strong message to the international market, with some analysts considering this development a significant statement against the U.S. sanctions.
A Glimpse into the US-China Chip Sanctions Timeline
- August 2022: U.S. Congress approves the CHIPS and Science Act, emphasizing semiconductor production in the U.S.
- September 2022: U.S. tech firms get a ten-year ban on building advanced facilities in China.
- October 2022: Supplies of advanced chips and equipment to China are curbed by the U.S. to regulate the manufacturing of chips for defense technology.
- November 2022: U.S. bans communication equipment from Chinese giants such as Huawei and ZTE, citing national security concerns.
- May 2023: Beijing retaliates by restricting its core infrastructure operators from transacting with Micron Tech.
China’s Chip Stockpiling
Recent reports highlighted China’s urgency to secure chips amidst the escalating trade tensions. The nation’s tech leaders, including Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba, have collectively placed orders valued at $5 billion for Nvidia’s A800 and A100 chips. The accelerated procurement suggests an anticipation of tighter export controls from the U.S.
China’s Response and Future Strategy
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, China has recognized the importance of self-sufficiency in semiconductor production. The unveiling of the Kirin 9000s chip, a collaboration between Huawei and SMIC, can be seen as an early indicator of China’s drive towards a more self-reliant tech industry.
Investments and Research
To counter the restrictions and maintain its technological growth, China is channeling significant investments into research and development within its domestic semiconductor sector. Numerous startups and research institutions are being funded, with the central government and provincial authorities offering tax breaks, grants, and other incentives to stimulate innovation.
Collaborations and Partnerships
China is also actively seeking partnerships with nations and companies not bound by U.S. sanctions. Countries in Southeast Asia, parts of Europe, and even some emerging tech hubs in Africa are becoming attractive options for China to source equipment and materials and establish strategic tech partnerships.
The Road Ahead for Chinese Chipmakers
Although the TechInsights teardown confirms China’s maneuvering capabilities around some restrictions, challenges persist:
- The scale of production and the availability timeline for Huawei’s new processor remain undisclosed.
- The recent sellout of the Mate 60 Pro might indicate limited stocks of SMIC’s advanced chip or reliance on previously acquired chips.
- The 7-nanometer processor is still a few steps behind the 4-nanometer chips used in the latest iPhones. Overcoming this disparity would demand advanced equipment, particularly from companies like ASML, which currently faces export barriers to China.
The semiconductor sector in China has shown resilience by optimizing available resources and using older tools. However, without access to newer technologies, the manufacturing process will inevitably become more burdensome and antiquated. This situation implies increased costs and decreased output, making global competitiveness a challenge for firms like SMIC, especially if the U.S. imposes more stringent restrictions, pushing China’s semiconductor industry into a corner.