On September 5, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US government wants to know the exact components of the chip in the Huawei Mate 60 Pro.
After TechInsights “dissected” the device, it was discovered that the chip on the device was only a few years behind the current generation and was manufactured by SMIC, a semiconductor company embargoed by the US.
Mr. Sullivan broke Washington’s silence on Huawei’s sudden, “no fanfare” announcement of the Mate 60 Pro, which Chinese media hailed as a breakthrough in efforts to reduce dependence on American technology.
During a White House press briefing, Mr. Sullivan “declined to comment on the specific chip in question until we have more precise information about its characteristics and components.” According to adviser Sullivan, the US should continue to implement technology restrictions focused on national security concerns.
Huawei and SMIC are both subject to US sanctions aimed at preventing them from accessing the latest chipmaking technology and equipment due to concerns about their potential to aid China's military .
The Mate 60 Pro uses the Kirin 9000s chip, manufactured on a 7nm process, showing Beijing's initial progress in weaning off American technology.
Some analysts suggest that if the Mate 60 Pro is mass produced, it could threaten the iPhone in mainland China. According to Edison Lee of Jefferies, sales of the new generation of iPhones could fall by 38% because of the competition from Huawei.
Huawei launched its high-end smartphone without holding a formal event. News of the chip and wireless connection speed quickly spread on social media as patriotic sentiment swept across Weibo and other social media.
Not only Huawei, chip maker SMIC is also under attention. With the Kirin 9000s chip, SMIC is said to be quietly helping Huawei overcome the US embargo.
Analyst Edison Lee said SMIC’s progress could raise questions about the effectiveness of US sanctions. Some theories have been put forward that SMIC uses deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment to produce 7nm chips, or that the Kirin 9000s chips come from a secret chip warehouse developed by Huawei.
“Obviously, the semiconductor industry is very strategic for every country in the world. Given the geopolitical tensions, every country is trying to stabilize and improve their own operations,” Ajit Manocha, CEO of industry group SEMI, told Bloomberg TV. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if China is trying for years.”
Some experts warn that the U.S.-led global campaign to block China’s access to cutting-edge chip technology will falter if the government fails to act after identifying sanctions violations. U.S. officials have repeatedly said they would rather reduce risk than decouple from China.
“Huawei is testing the US red line. If the US does not take any action, Huawei will think there is nothing to fear and other suppliers will start to imitate what SMIC is doing, the US embargo will collapse,” commented Lin Tsung Nan, a professor of electrical engineering in Taiwan (China).
(According to SCMP)
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