Highlights:

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s China visit comes amid fresh uncertainty over H200 AI chip imports.
  
• China’s customs block shows how fragile US approval is without Beijing’s green light.
  
• The episode underlines the next phase of the US–China tech war: selective access, higher costs, and slower trust.
  

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is currently in China, visiting Shanghai, and is expected to visit Beijing and Shenzhen. The trip follows Nvidia’s long-running Lunar New Year tradition with employees, but it comes at a tense moment. 

Just days earlier, Nvidia’s H200 AI chips were unexpectedly blocked by Chinese customs after arriving in Hong Kong. No formal explanation has been given, and officials have not said whether the restriction is temporary or permanent.

Nvidia has also stayed silent, adding to uncertainty for customers and investors.

Why the H200 Block Matters

The H200 is one of Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips allowed for China under US rules. Washington approved exports again in December, under President Donald Trump, after months of lobbying. However, China’s customs action shows that US approval alone is not enough.

Chinese regulators have warned local tech firms to reduce reliance on Nvidia and prioritise domestic chips. Companies like Alibaba Group, Tencent, and ByteDance are now buying H200s only for critical projects. Limited supply has also pushed prices up sharply on the grey market.

What This Means for the US–China Tech War

This episode highlights a new phase of the tech conflict. Instead of full bans, both sides are using delays, fees, and quiet approvals as leverage. For the US, it limits China’s access without shutting the door completely. For China, it pressures firms to build local alternatives while keeping Nvidia within reach.

Looking ahead, the future likely means slower approvals, higher costs, and more uncertainty. NVIDIA may still do business in China, but every shipment now depends on politics as much as performance.

Read More:

• Tech War: Why China Has Blocked Nvidia H200 AI Chip Imports Despite US Approval ?
• Huawei Returns as China’s No. 1 Smartphone Brand After Five Years, Overtaking Apple
• OpenAI Is Training Robots in Secret, and It Starts With Toasters and Clothes

(via)

The post NVIDIA Caught in US- China Crossfire: Jensen Huang Lands in Shanghai amidst Ban on H200 Chips appeared first on Gizmochina.

Highlights

• China has instructed customs to block Nvidia H200 AI chips despite US export approval
  
• Chinese firms face a choice between costly black-market GPUs and weaker domestic chips
  
• The move signals Beijing’s push for long-term chip self-reliance over short-term performance
  

H200 Caught in the Middle of Politics

China has quietly blocked Nvidia’s H200 AI chips at customs, days after the United States approved their export under strict conditions. According to multiple sources, Chinese customs officials were told not to allow H200 shipments into the country. No formal ban has been announced, but the instructions are being treated as a de facto restriction.

Pressure on Chinese Tech Firms

Chinese technology companies have also been told not to buy H200 chips unless absolutely necessary, with narrow exceptions for university or joint research projects. This has left firms with urgent AI needs considering black-market purchases, where an eight-chip H200 server reportedly costs about 2.3 million yuan, around 50% above official prices. Even this supply is becoming harder to secure due to tighter enforcement.

Why the H200 Matters

The H200 is Nvidia’s second-most powerful AI chip and is critical for training large AI models. It is far more capable than most Chinese alternatives, especially for training tasks, though domestic chips are improving in AI inference workloads.

Analysts say Beijing is willing to accept short-term disruption to reduce reliance on US-controlled technology. The H200 episode shows how advanced chips are no longer just products, but tools of geopolitics, with market logic increasingly shaped by national strategy.

Read More:

• China’s SuperTac Sensor Enables Human-Like Touch in Humanoid Robots
• Lei Jun Guarantees Redmi Turbo 5 Max Battery for Five Years With Free Replacement
• OpenAI Wants a Cut of Your Profits: Inside Its New Royalty-Based Plan and Other Business Models

(via)

The post Tech War: Why China Has Blocked Nvidia H200 AI Chip Imports Despite US Approval ? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Key Highlights:

• Chinese researchers at Peking University achieve a world-first visualization of photoresist behavior using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
  
• The discovery could help China reduce reliance on foreign photoresist materials and improve chip yields at advanced nodes.
  
• The breakthrough deepens the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry, potentially influencing global chip prices and supply for everyday electronics.

China’s Breakthrough in Lithography Materials

China has achieved a significant milestone in semiconductor technology that could alter the global landscape in chip manufacturing. A team led by Professor Hailin Peng from Peking University, working with domestic collaborators, has developed a method to reduce defects in chip lithography dramatically. Using cryo-electron tomography, a technique more commonly seen in biology,  the researchers visualized how light-sensitive photoresist materials behave at the molecular level during chip production.

For the first time, scientists were able to see how photoresist polymers interact in liquid film and at gas–liquid interfaces, uncovering the hidden causes of defects that limit chip yields. The team’s new process reportedly eliminated up to 99% of these defects under industrial conditions, marking a turning point for China’s semiconductor ambitions.

Why This Matters

Photoresist materials are essential for defining nanoscale circuits on silicon wafers. Until now, China has depended heavily on imports, with over 90% of its photoresist supply coming from Japan. By developing its own high-performance photoresist and imaging technology, China is moving closer to self-reliance in one of the most critical areas of chipmaking.

The discovery could improve manufacturing yields in processes like lithography, etching, and cleaning, vital steps for producing chips at 7nm and smaller scales. It also strengthens China’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain, which has long been dominated by companies in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

Implications for the United States

This development adds fresh urgency to U.S. efforts to maintain technological leadership. While American institutions such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are advancing photoresist metrology and next-generation EUV lithography, China’s rapid progress suggests a narrowing gap.

The U.S. has invested heavily under the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor R&D, including materials and lithography systems. However, China’s success in solving long-standing material science problems shows it is no longer just catching up but setting new benchmarks in applied semiconductor research.

Whats Next for China and US

China’s progress in lithography materials signals more than scientific advancement; it’s a strategic move toward technological independence. By tackling one of the toughest bottlenecks in chip production, China is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the race for semiconductor supremacy.

For the U.S., the challenge now is to accelerate innovation not just in chip design and fabrication, but in the underlying materials science that powers the future of computing.

Read More:

• ChatGPT Goes Free in India for a Year And Here’s Why OpenAI Is Doing It
• China Overtakes US in Scale: AI Users Surge to 515 Million in Just Six Months
• NVIDIA’s Market Share in China Drops from 95% to Zero Amid US Export Restrictions

(via)

The post Tech War Intensifies: China’s Lithography Breakthrough Challenges U.S. Semiconductor Edge appeared first on Gizmochina.

At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Zhang Ping’an, CEO of Huawei Cloud, delivered a compelling message regarding China’s AI progress amidst U.S. sanctions on advanced GPUs and chipmaking technology. Despite the constraints imposed by limited access to top-tier processors, Zhang emphasized that China can continue to lead in AI without relying solely on high-end chips.

Zhang dismissed concerns that the restrictions on advanced AI processors, such as Nvidia’s H100/H200 and B100/B200, would significantly impede China’s AI development. He underscored that China’s AI leadership should not be contingent on these high-end chips. Acknowledging the country’s current limitation in computing power due to the sanctions, Zhang highlighted the importance of being independent of the most advanced technology.

Zhang pointed to Huawei’s efforts in developing the Ascend 910-series processors for AI applications. He claimed these processors are competitive with Nvidia’s A100, though analysts in Europe and the U.S. have not independently verified this assertion. The U.S. restrictions on Nvidia processors mean that major Chinese tech companies like Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent must rely on domestic technology, which Zhang views as an opportunity rather than a setback.

However, Zhang recognized the performance limitations of domestic processors. He admitted that processors from Huawei and Biren Technology, produced on older manufacturing nodes, cannot match the performance of modern AI and high-performance computing GPUs from AMD and Nvidia. Additionally, SMIC, which manufactures chips for Huawei and Biren, lacks access to cutting-edge equipment, contributing to China’s lag in per-processor computing performance.

To address these challenges, Zhang advocated for a holistic approach combining cloud, edge, and network technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption for AI workloads. He highlighted Huawei Cloud as a leading provider of AI services, suggesting that leveraging cloud technology could compensate for the lack of advanced AI processors. However, it remains unclear whether Huawei’s processors are recommended for training large language models directly in Huawei Cloud or if they should be trained on external machines and then deployed in Huawei Cloud.

Overall, Zhang stressed the need to abandon the belief that the absence of the most advanced AI chips precludes leadership in AI. He conveyed confidence that through innovation and a strategic approach, China can maintain its position at the forefront of AI development despite the ongoing U.S. sanctions.

Related:

• Huawei Mate 70 series to feature next-gen Hisilcon Kirin chip, claims tipster
• Huawei Nova series flip phone could launch in August with Kirin 9010E
• Unnamed Huawei tablet appears on certification site with 100W charging

(via)

The post Huawei defies U.S. sanctions: CEO unveils plan to keep China leading in AI appeared first on Gizmochina.

The U.S. Commerce Department has launched an investigation into three major Chinese telecommunications companies China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom due to concerns over potential exploitation of American data. This probe is focused on whether these companies might be providing data to Beijing through their cloud and internet services.

The current status of the investigation reveals that risk-based analyses for China Mobile and China Telecom have been completed. However, the investigation into China Unicom is less advanced. These investigations have not been publicly disclosed, and subpoenas have been issued to the companies involved.

Despite being barred from providing telephone and retail internet services, these companies maintain a presence in the U.S. through small-scale operations such as offering cloud services and routing wholesale internet traffic.

So far, there has been no response from the Chinese companies or their U.S.-based lawyers. The Justice Department and the White House declined to comment on the matter, while the Chinese Embassy has urged the U.S. to stop suppressing Chinese companies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expressed serious concerns regarding national security and law enforcement risks.

Historical Context

This investigation is part of a broader pattern of regulatory actions against Chinese telecom firms. In 2019, the FCC denied China Mobile’s application for telephone services. This was followed by the revocation of China Telecom and China Unicom’s licenses in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In April 2023, the FCC barred these companies from providing broadband services, citing risks such as the misrouting of internet traffic through China and potential data interception, manipulation, or blockage.

Technical and Security Risks

There are significant technical and security risks associated with the presence of these companies in the U.S. Internet infrastructure. China Telecom’s Points of Presence (PoPs) in the U.S. are particularly vulnerable to metadata analysis and deep packet inspection. Additionally, there are concerns about cloud services potentially granting access to personal information and intellectual property, posing disruption risks to Americans’ data. Specific interest has been directed towards China Mobile’s partially owned data center in Silicon Valley, where ownership increases the potential for data mishandling.

Experts have emphasized the sophistication of China as a global adversary. Doug Madory of Kentik highlighted the risks posed by China’s advanced capabilities. Bert Hubert, a Dutch cloud computing expert, noted that ownership of data centers allows for greater opportunities to install back doors or bypass encryption.

The U.S. Commerce Department’s investigation into China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard national security by scrutinizing foreign access to U.S. data. These measures, while potentially disruptive, are deemed necessary to mitigate risks associated with escalating U.S.-China tech tensions. As the probe continues, further regulatory actions may be taken to block transactions and operations in U.S. data centers, highlighting the importance of addressing national security risks linked to Chinese firms’ access to American data.

Related:

• Apple ranks third in China’s best-selling TWS list
• China is betting big on Memory Chips: Will they win the global race
• Motorola Razr 50, Razr 50 Ultra With Large Cover Screen, Wireless Charging Launched In China

(via)

The post US Commerce Department is investigating Chinese telecom giants over data misuse concerns appeared first on Gizmochina.

In 2023, China’s semiconductor sector faced formidable challenges as escalating US tech sanctions tightened restrictions on access to advanced chip-making tools and AI processors. The US, in October, extended export controls on semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, strategically limiting China’s access to less advanced Nvidia data center chips. This move was part of a broader effort to curb China’s technological advancement, with the successful persuasion of Japan and the Netherlands to join in restricting exports of advanced semiconductor tools.

These sanctions exposed vulnerabilities in China’s chip supply chain, prompting the country to intensify efforts toward self-sufficiency in semiconductors. State funding supported initiatives for domestic production of less-advanced tools and parts, leading to notable progress. However, challenges persisted in developing high-end lithography systems crucial for advanced integrated circuits.

In a breakthrough, Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE), backed by state-owned Shanghai Zhangjiang Group, announced China’s first 28-nm lithography system. Though not on par with leading-edge EUV lithography systems, this milestone marked a crucial development for China’s focus on mature chip technology.

With Western restrictions on purchasing advanced tools, China is expected to continue investing in mature process nodes, particularly those at 28 nm and older technologies. By the end of 2024, the capacity for mature chip production is set to expand at 32 Chinese fabs, leading to a significant increase in China’s global share of mature capacity. TrendForce predicts China’s global share of mature capacity to reach 39% by 2027, triggering concerns from the EU and US.

However, the semiconductor market faced headwinds globally in 2023, impacting Chinese chip makers. SMIC experienced a 15% year-on-year decline in third-quarter revenue, while Hua Hong Semiconductor reported a 9.7% decline in revenue. The challenging market conditions were attributed to softening chip demand and elevated inventory of consumer and mobile devices.

In response to these challenges, the US Department of Commerce initiated a Semiconductor Supply Chain Review to address national security concerns linked to Chinese-sourced chips. The survey aims to identify how U.S. companies source legacy chips and is part of a broader plan to allocate nearly $40 billion in subsidies for semiconductor chip manufacturing. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed concerns about China’s expansion of legacy chip production, framing it as a matter of national security.

China’s embassy in Washington accused the US of stretching the concept of national security and engaging in discriminatory treatment. The Commerce Department’s report revealed China’s substantial semiconductor subsidies, creating an “unlevel global playing field.” Raimondo anticipates significant semiconductor funding awards within the next year to reshape the US chip production landscape, emphasizing the importance of addressing non-market actions threatening the US legacy chip supply chain.

As China continues to navigate these challenges and the US aims to secure its semiconductor supply chain, the semiconductor industry is transforming, shaped by geopolitical factors, market conditions, and the pursuit of technological self-sufficiency.

Related:

• Unisoc quietly launches a new mid-range 5G chip platform, the T765 5G
• Netherlands Halts Advanced Semiconductor Exports to China
• Beijing Unveils Powerful AI Computing Platform Amid Semiconductor Tensions

(via)

The post China’s Semiconductor Landscape in 2023: Breakthroughs, Challenges, and Global Implications as the Industry Forges Ahead into 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

The perception of China‘s rise as a global power has significantly impacted American public opinion, particularly concerning economic and security issues. A recent survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs revealed a notable shift in the American public’s perspective, highlighting heightened concerns over China’s growing influence.

Americans are, however, not skeptical regarding their country’s military prowess

The survey, which involved participants from various demographics, indicated that a majority of Americans now view China’s ascent as a critical threat to the United States‘ interests. This sentiment marks the highest level of concern since the end of the Cold War. The areas of particular worry include intellectual property theft, economic competition, and China’s role in global supply chains.

These concerns come at a time when the U.S. is preparing for its next election cycle, with China’s policies and actions likely to be a major topic. Interestingly, the survey revealed a balanced view among Americans regarding the economic power balance between the U.S. and China, with opinions divided on which country holds the upper hand.

The issue of trade has been a longstanding concern in U.S.-China relations, with many Americans viewing China as an unfair trading partner. This perception has evolved over time, with more Americans now seeing China’s economic power as a critical threat to U.S. interests. The survey indicates strong support for policies that limit the exchange of goods and technologies between the two nations, especially in light of Chinese firms’ involvement in intellectual property theft.

Despite these economic concerns, Americans seem more confident in their country’s military supremacy over China. This confidence, however, does not mitigate the overall apprehension about China’s role and intentions on the global stage. Trust in China’s ability to handle global problems responsibly has significantly decreased, reflecting a broader trend of declining American confidence in China. The upcoming meeting between Presidents Xi and Biden, while unlikely to drastically change public opinion, could mark a step towards addressing some of these concerns.

RELATED:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition reservations now open in China
• China’s Chip equipment imports surge, fueling global concerns
• Download the Best GCam APK for Motorola Edge 40 Neo

(Via)

The post Concerns of US Citizens Regarding China’s Technology Push are Higher than Ever appeared first on Gizmochina.

In a significant development, the Biden administration has initiated measures to restrict the export of Nvidia’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) computer chips to select countries in the Middle East. The announcement came through a regulatory filing made by Nvidia, the prominent AI technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California. 

Nvidia has earned a reputation as an AI powerhouse, primarily due to its advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering and training AI platforms. The US government has now imposed export controls on Nvidia’s products, mandating the company to obtain permits before selling certain products to specified overseas customers. This move is driven by concerns that the advanced technology could potentially benefit adversaries such as China.

In a quarterly regulatory filing released recently, Nvidia disclosed these new export controls, shedding light on the company’s obligations to comply with the regulations. However, the specific countries in the Middle East subject to these export controls have not been explicitly mentioned in the filing, leaving room for speculation.

In response to these developments, the US Department of Commerce issued a statement emphasizing that it has not completely blocked chip sales to the Middle East. This clarification followed the disclosure that Washington had expanded export license requirements not only for Nvidia but also for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), another major player in the field of artificial intelligence chips.

While the Commerce Department did not comment on whether new requirements were imposed on specific US companies, it is clear that both Nvidia and AMD are affected by the changes. As of now, neither company has confirmed whether they have applied for the required licenses or the status of their applications.

Export controls are typically put in place by US officials for national security reasons. Although a similar move last year signaled an escalation of the US government’s efforts to curb China’s technological capabilities, the specific risks associated with exports to the Middle East remain undisclosed.

It is worth noting that many of the restrictions on technology exports to China amount to a blanket denial of all licenses, reflecting the heightened scrutiny on sensitive technologies in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Biden administration’s decision to restrict Nvidia’s AI chip sales to certain Middle Eastern countries underscores the growing concerns surrounding advanced technology exports and national security. As the situation continues to evolve, industry watchers will closely monitor the impact of these export controls on the AI industry and international relations in the Middle East.

Related:

• US Chip Export Controls Could Cost Nvidia Billions in China Revenue
• Google’s plan for gaming Chromebooks with Nvidia GPU is no more
• Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba Purchase Hundreds of Thousands of Nvidia Cards Worth $5 Billion

(via)

The post US denies imposing export controls on Nvidia’s AI Chips for select Middle Eastern countries appeared first on Gizmochina.

US President Joe Biden is poised to sign an executive order aimed at curbing critical U.S. technology investments in China, according to reliable sources familiar with internal deliberations.

The forthcoming executive order, scheduled for the second week of August, focuses on three key areas: semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Bloomberg News reports that it will not impact existing investments and will only target specific transactions. However, other technology deals will be subject to mandatory government disclosure.

The decision comes amid heightened concerns over China’s growing influence in the technology sector and potential national security risks. By limiting crucial technology investments in China, the Biden administration aims to safeguard sensitive American technologies from being exploited or used against U.S. interests.

While the exact details of the order are yet to be released, the focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing underscores the strategic significance of these sectors in the global tech landscape. The move is likely to have significant implications for tech companies and investors involved in cross-border collaborations between the two economic giants.

Beijing has already warned of retaliation should the U.S. impose new limits on technology or capital flows. The Chinese envoy in Washington made this clear earlier this month, signaling potential tensions between the two nations over technology and economic policy.

The internal discussions within the Biden administration have reportedly shifted from defining the measures’ substance to planning the order’s rollout and accompanying regulations. The complexity of the matter has led to several delays in finalizing the order, with the timing slipping numerous times.

As the global tech competition intensifies, this executive order could mark a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations, impacting technology trade, investment, and research collaborations. Observers will closely monitor how China responds to the order and its potential repercussions on the global tech supply chain and market dynamics.

The Biden administration’s move comes in the context of broader efforts to maintain U.S. technological leadership and national security in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape. The extent and implementation of the order will be crucial in determining its overall impact on U.S. businesses, China’s tech sector, and the delicate balance of technology cooperation and competition between the two superpowers.

Related:

• TSMC’s New $3.3 Billion R&D Center to House Over 7,000 Employees, Focus on 2nm and 1.4nm Technology
• Biden’s Push for Affordable High-Speed Internet includes $930 Million in Grants
• Chinese Chip Equipment Imports from Japan Spike Ahead of Trade Restrictions

(via)

The post Biden to Sign Executive Order Restricting US Tech Investments in China’s Key Sectors appeared first on Gizmochina.