The US and its allies are tightening their control over the semiconductor supply chain, dealing a blow to China’s technological ambitions. Semiconductors have become the focal point of a new cold war between the US and China, with both countries vying for technological supremacy.
Japan recently imposed export controls on 23 items crucial for manufacturing advanced semiconductors, requiring governmental approval before export. Although Japan did not explicitly mention China, it appears that the move was aimed at Beijing. This follows a series of export control measures by the US and its allies to curb China’s technological progress, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Advanced semiconductors are vital for AI and other emerging technologies. The US and its allies have targeted these chips to hinder China’s advancement. In June, the Netherlands also announced export control measures on advanced semiconductor equipment, following a similar path as Japan. These measures have already had an impact, as Japan and the Netherlands are major equipment providers for semiconductor factories worldwide.
The US previously blocked American companies from selling semiconductors and relevant equipment to Chinese companies, and it has encouraged its allies to follow suit. China has responded by implementing export control measures of its own, restricting exports of rare metals needed for semiconductor manufacturing.
The competition for semiconductors is intertwined with the race for AI dominance between the US and China. China aims to become the global leader in AI by 2030, while the US seeks to maintain its advantage in technology. Semiconductors play a crucial role in AI advancement since hardware needs to keep up with the increasingly complex software.
China’s reliance on chip imports puts its AI goals at risk if semiconductor supplies are disrupted. However, the country is committed to developing its own semiconductors as part of its Made in China 2025 strategy. As AI becomes more advanced, the importance of semiconductors will only grow, intensifying the global race for these vital components.
It remains unclear which side will emerge victorious in the semiconductor competition, but tensions between the US and China indicate the start of a second cold war. Whichever country gains a significant edge in this race will take a significant step toward achieving technological supremacy in the future.
Shayan Hassan Jamy, a research officer at the Strategic Vision Institute, highlights these developments and emphasizes that the US and its allies’ actions are aimed at blocking China’s access to semiconductors and excluding it from the global supply chain. As major states clash in the pursuit of advanced semiconductors, this competition could have far-reaching implications beyond technology, extending to national security.
In conclusion, the global race for semiconductors has become a significant battleground between the US and China, with both countries striving for technological supremacy. The US and its allies’ efforts to curtail China’s technological progress, particularly in AI, have dealt substantial blows to Beijing’s ambitions. The ongoing tensions and competition in this domain are indicative of a new cold war, with semiconductors at its core.
