“I wouldn’t be surprised if some Western countries begin to either discuss or perhaps even implement restrictions on the use of Chinese chips,” historian Chris Miller, author of the 2022 book Chip War, told the Post, adding that legacy chips were going to be an “increasing part of public discussion and debate in Western countries”.
These contrast with the most advanced chips measuring under 8nm in size and used in products like smartphones and supercomputers.
Neither the US nor China has yet been able to make the world’s most cutting-edge 3nm chips, manufactured exclusively by Taiwan, although both are trying, and this pitched battle has sharpened their attention on the legacy category.
The chips programme signed into law in 2022 by US President Joe Biden aims to restore home-grown production of the tiny brains powering modern gadgets. The initiative comes as Beijing doubles down on efforts to cut its reliance on imported chips.
Chinese scientists use diamond to make high-power chips for electronic warfare
Chinese scientists use diamond to make high-power chips for electronic warfare
This follows rising interest in legacy chips from the White House and Congress, who strongly criticise the subsidies China extends to its chip makers as it navigates US restrictions imposed in phases since October 2022.
Washington was worried about Beijing’s subsidies leading to overcapacity and price distortion, Miller said.
Miller, also a professor at the…
