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China’s SiCarrier subsidiary launches homegrown chip design software amid U.S. tech tensions

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A subsidiary of SiCarrier, a Chinese chip equipment manufacturer with close ties to Huawei, has unveiled two domestically developed chip design software tools, marking another step in China’s drive for semiconductor self-sufficiency, according to Chinese state-backed outlet The Paper.

The SiCarrier unit, called Yunqifang, introduced two electronic design automation (EDA) programs with fully independent intellectual property rights, aiming to reduce China’s reliance on Western technology in chip design. EDA software is critical to developing the blueprints of advanced semiconductors, which are central to modern electronics and artificial intelligence.

The announcement comes as U.S.-China tech tensions escalate. Earlier this year, Washington temporarily restricted exports of EDA tools to China after Beijing suspended exports of rare earths and magnets, which are vital for chipmaking. Analysts have warned that prolonged U.S. restrictions could cripple China’s semiconductor design capabilities, where it still trails the United States.

The timing of the launch coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese exports and expand export controls on “any and all critical software” by November 1, days before current tariff relief is due to expire.

Founded in 2021 and owned by the Shenzhen city government, SiCarrier has emerged as a strategic player in China’s semiconductor industry, aligning with Beijing’s push for technological self-reliance. Its progress reflects the broader effort to build a complete, homegrown semiconductor ecosystem capable of withstanding foreign trade pressures.

EU considers tech transfer requirements for Chinese investments in Europe

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The European Union is weighing the introduction of technology transfer and know-how requirements for Chinese investments in Europe, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen, who spoke after a ministerial meeting in Denmark on Tuesday.

The discussions, centered on economic security, come ahead of a European Commission paper expected by year’s end outlining the bloc’s strategy for managing foreign investments amid rising geopolitical tensions with China.

Rasmussen said Europe must learn from China and the United States, both of which impose strict conditions on foreign investors. “If we invite Chinese investments to Europe, it must come with the precondition that we also have some kind of technology transfer,” he said. “We find ourselves in new circumstances.”

European officials argue that China has long benefited from mandatory technology transfers imposed on European companies operating in the Chinese market, whether through joint-venture requirements or licensing regulations.

Sefcovic said that while the EU continues to welcome foreign investment, these should be “real investments” that contribute to the bloc’s job creation, technological development, and intellectual property growth. “European companies have been transferring know-how to China for decades,” he said. “It is time for reciprocity.”

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the proposal, saying China opposes “forced technology transfer” and any “protectionist and discriminatory practices” disguised as competitiveness measures.

EU ministers broadly backed the initiative, with the Commission now tasked with translating the discussion into formal policy proposals by the end of the year.

ASML dismisses claims of Chinese tool stockpiling, says ready for rare earth curbs

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ASML has downplayed concerns that its expected decline in China sales next year is linked to Chinese chipmakers stockpiling its lithography machines, saying the slowdown reflects market dynamics rather than preemptive buying.

“The reason I rule out previous stockpiling is because systems that we ship are actually in a chips factory,” said Chief Financial Officer Roger Dassen during a press briefing on Wednesday. His comments followed ASML’s third-quarter earnings report, which warned of a significant fall in Chinese demand in 2025.

Chinese customers accounted for 42% of ASML’s machine sales in the latest quarter, making China its largest single market. However, U.S. lawmakers have urged tighter export restrictions on ASML, alleging that Chinese firms are purchasing chipmaking tools beyond domestic needs to hedge against future sanctions.

ASML, the world’s top semiconductor equipment maker, said it remains confident in the resilience of its business outside China, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Dassen also addressed concerns about China’s rare earth export restrictions, emphasizing that ASML is well prepared in the short term. “We have inventory, we have alternatives. But of course, there is an impact we are navigating,” he said.

China produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths and magnets, which are essential components in ASML’s chipmaking tools. Dassen cautioned that longer-term disruptions could be more serious if global trade tensions deepen. “It’s important the world continues to trade so we don’t face lasting limitations,” he said.