US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo Criticizes Huawei’s Kirin 9000 Chip, Says US Sanctions Effective
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has made a bold statement regarding Huawei’s Kirin 9000 System-on-Chip (SoC), claiming that it is less advanced than US processors, showcasing the effectiveness of US sanctions on the Chinese tech giant. Despite the launch of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro with the Kirin 9000 processor in August, criticisms have persisted due to US restrictions on China. The chip is manufactured using SMIC’s 7nm (N+2) technology, lacking access to cutting-edge Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools. The US Commerce Department is now investigating whether SMIC violated US regulations in producing the chip.
In a recent interview, Raimondo highlighted the perceived technological lag of the controversial chip, stating, “Export controls are working because that chip is not nearly as good… It’s years behind what we have here in the United States. We have the most sophisticated semiconductors. China doesn’t. We’ve out-innovated China.”
Raimondo emphasized the importance of national security in blocking China and Russia from obtaining sophisticated US-designed chips, citing semiconductors, AI, and drones as crucial to national security. She proposed the CHIPS Act to bolster indigenous semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like Samsung, TSMC, and Intel receiving funding to expand their US fabrication plants under this law.
The news comes amidst a US report revealing China’s assistance to Russia in expanding its military capabilities, particularly in the production of missiles, tanks, planes, and other weapons for the conflict in Ukraine. US authorities hope to leverage this information to prompt European partners to challenge China over its support for Russia. The report highlights China’s role in reviving Russia’s defense manufacturing base and the need to persuade China to cease its support for Russia’s military-industrial development.
As the US continues to navigate the complex landscape of international relations and technological advancements, the implications of these developments on global security and economic dynamics remain at the forefront of discussions. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.