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US Targets Chinese Companies Over AI Chips and Military Concerns

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The Biden administration has blacklisted more than two dozen Chinese entities, including Zhipu AI, a prominent developer of large language models, and Sophgo, a company implicated in using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) chips for Huawei’s AI processors. This move is part of the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technology, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and military applications.

The U.S. Commerce Department added 25 Chinese companies, along with two Singapore-based companies, to its Entity List, effectively restricting their access to U.S. goods and technology without special licenses, which are typically denied. Zhipu AI, backed by major investors like Alibaba and Tencent, was blacklisted for its involvement in advancing China’s military AI capabilities. Sophgo, which supplied a chip found in Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI system, also came under scrutiny for its role in supporting Huawei’s AI ambitions, a company already restricted since 2019.

In response, Zhipu AI denied the allegations, claiming the decision lacked factual basis and wouldn’t significantly impact its operations. Similarly, Sophgo, an affiliate of Bitmain, a leading bitcoin mining equipment supplier, also rejected claims of any direct ties with Huawei.

The U.S. also implemented stricter rules for the export of semiconductors, specifically those used in AI applications, particularly targeting advanced chips at or below 14 or 16 nanometer nodes. The new regulations aim to prevent these chips from being used in military technologies or high-tech surveillance systems, further tightening restrictions on Chinese companies like Changxin Memory Technologies, a major DRAM producer.

The expanded controls also hold chipmakers accountable for ensuring that their products do not end up in the hands of restricted entities, including companies potentially linked to Huawei’s operations.

These moves are part of broader efforts by the U.S. to limit China’s access to critical technology, especially in areas like AI and advanced military systems, and to curtail the risk of sensitive technologies being diverted to entities like Huawei.

 

Apple Loses Smartphone Sales Crown in China, Drops to Third in 2024

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Apple has lost its position as China’s top smartphone seller in 2024, with local competitors Vivo and Huawei surpassing the tech giant. According to data from research firm Canalys, Apple’s annual smartphone shipments in China declined by 17%, marking its largest drop since 2016.

Vivo, the budget smartphone maker, secured 17% of the market share, while Huawei, with its premium offerings, held 16%, and Apple dropped to third with 15%. This marks a significant shift in market dynamics, as domestic manufacturers gain strength in one of Apple’s largest global markets.

Apple’s decline is attributed to various factors, including the lack of artificial intelligence capabilities in its latest iPhones, which has hurt its competitiveness in China, where services like ChatGPT are unavailable. Canalys analyst Toby Zhu commented that Apple’s premium market position faces multiple challenges, such as Huawei’s resurgence in the flagship segment, the rise of domestic foldable phones in high-price segments, and Android brands like Xiaomi and Vivo building consumer loyalty through technological innovations.

Despite previously experiencing four years of growth following U.S. sanctions on Huawei in 2019, which restricted the company’s access to American technology, Apple now faces a strong challenge from Huawei. The Chinese company has seen a resurgence, with a 24% rise in shipments during the fourth quarter of 2024 after launching new phones with locally-made chipsets.

To combat the decline, Apple resorted to offering discounts. In early January, Apple launched a four-day promotion in China, offering price cuts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on iPhone 16 models through official channels. Major Chinese e-commerce platforms followed suit, with Alibaba’s Tmall marketplace offering discounts up to 1,000 yuan ($137) on the latest iPhone 16 series devices.

Among the top five smartphone vendors, Xiaomi posted the strongest growth, with a 29% increase in shipments in the fourth quarter, while Oppo and Vivo saw increases of 18% and 14%, respectively. Overall, smartphone shipments in China rose by 4% year-on-year to 285 million units in 2024.

 

China Launches Probe into U.S. Chip Subsidies Over Impact on Domestic Industry

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China’s commerce ministry announced an investigation into U.S. government subsidies to the semiconductor sector, claiming these subsidies have harmed Chinese manufacturers of mature node chips. Unlike advanced chips used in AI, mature node chips are simpler and cheaper to produce, often utilized in household appliances and communication devices. Beijing asserts that U.S. subsidies, particularly under the CHIPS and Science Act, have given U.S. companies an unfair advantage, allowing them to export mature node chips to China at low prices and undermining China’s domestic chip industry.

The probe is part of China’s broader strategy of responding to Washington’s increasingly stringent restrictions on Chinese semiconductor firms, which the Biden administration has accused of potentially strengthening China’s technological capabilities, including its military. The investigation is expected to target U.S. companies, including Intel, which sell mature node chips to China.

This move follows a similar complaint from the U.S. about China’s practices in the chip industry, such as alleged state-backed artificial price suppression and overcapacity. The outcome of the probe could lead to retaliatory actions affecting U.S. chipmakers in the Chinese market. It remains to be seen what specific measures Beijing will take.