Chinese chip manufacturers are determined to advance chip production, particularly in the realm of next-generation smartphone processors, despite the obstacles posed by U.S. restrictions on their access to advanced technologies. According to a report from the Financial Times on Tuesday, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), China’s leading chipmaker, is poised to roll out next-gen smartphone processors as early as this year.
Quoting sources familiar with the matter, the report reveals that SMIC has established new semiconductor production lines in Shanghai, dedicated to the mass production of chips designed by Huawei. Notably, SMIC aims to leverage its current inventory of U.S. and Dutch-made equipment to manufacture 5-nanometre chips.
However, both Huawei and SMIC refrained from immediate comments when approached by Reuters.
The U.S. government has imposed restrictions on American companies, prohibiting them from supplying technology to SMIC without a special license. This action is rooted in concerns that SMIC’s collaboration with China’s military poses a threat to U.S. national security.
In response to these challenges, the Chinese government has significantly invested in building a self-reliant semiconductor supply chain, striving to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and ensure a secure domestic semiconductor industry.