The technological rivalry between United States and China started in 2019 when l’administration Trump placed Huawei blacklisted, denying the Chinese giant access to essential American technologies. The move marked the start of a cascade of restrictions, forcing China to accelerate its quest for technological independence. The country has since invested heavily in its own semiconductor industry, seeking to develop alternatives to Western technologies. Despite these efforts and notable progress, China remains dependent on foreign equipment and know-how for its most advanced components.
A new American offensive with calculated repercussions
On December 2, Washington unveiled its third wave of restrictions targeting China's semiconductor industry. These measures specifically target manufacturing equipment, design software and high-bandwidth memories – crucial components for the development of artificial intelligence. This American strategy aims to weaken China's ability to progress in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the field of AI where international competition is raging.
The Chinese response is organized
Faced with this offensive, the Chinese reaction is based on two fronts. China's major industry associations, including the Internet Society of China and the China Semiconductor Associationlaunched a coordinated appeal to their members to stop purchasing from American suppliers. This directive could significantly affect the revenues of giants like Nvidia, Qualcomm et Intelfor whom the Chinese market represents a substantial part of their turnover.
A battle with multiple strategic dimensions
Chinese companies display apparent confidence in the face of these new restrictions. According to the bank Citic Securities, the immediate impact should remain limited thanks to meticulous anticipation of the tightening of sanctions. Chinese companies have reportedly built up large stocks of equipment from suppliers like ASML and Lam Research before the restrictions come into force.
This strategy of anticipation demonstrates careful preparation in the face of growing tensions with UNITED STATES. Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers like Naura Technology minimize the impact of sanctions on their activities, while accelerating the relocation of their supply chains on national territory. This industrial reorganization could permanently reshape the global semiconductor landscape, creating new balances and unprecedented opportunities for emerging players in the sector.
