Research Pillar

Semiconductors & Supply Chains

Analyzing China's semiconductor ambitions, global chip supply chains, and the geopolitical implications of technology competition in the chip industry.

Semiconductor manufacturing

The Semiconductor Landscape

Chip Dependencies

China remains heavily dependent on foreign semiconductor manufacturing equipment, particularly from ASML, Applied Materials, and Tokyo Electron.

Manufacturing Gap

Despite massive investment, China still trails by 2-3 generations in advanced chip manufacturing, particularly for nodes below 7nm.

Supply Chain Complexity

The semiconductor supply chain involves dozens of countries, making complete self-sufficiency nearly impossible for any single nation.

Export Controls Impact

US export controls have significantly impacted China's access to advanced chipmaking tools and AI chips.

Why Semiconductors Matter

Semiconductors are the foundation of modern computing and artificial intelligence. The ability to design and manufacture advanced chips has become a critical factor in national competitiveness and security.

Our research examines China's multi-billion dollar efforts to build a domestic semiconductor industry, the effectiveness of export controls, and the broader implications for global technology supply chains.

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