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U.S. Grants TSMC Annual Licence to Import Chipmaking Tools into China

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The U.S. government has granted an annual licence to TSMC allowing it to import U.S.-made chip manufacturing equipment into its facilities in Nanjing, China, the company said on Thursday.

In a statement to Reuters, TSMC said the approval would “ensure uninterrupted fab operations and product deliveries.” The licence allows U.S. export-controlled equipment to be supplied to TSMC’s Nanjing operations without the need for individual vendor approvals.

South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have also received similar licences, according to industry sources. The move comes after earlier exemptions granted to Asian chipmakers under Washington’s export controls expired at the end of December.

Previously, companies such as TSMC, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix had benefited from a special status known as “validated end-user,” which allowed them to continue shipping certain U.S. chip-related equipment to China despite broad restrictions aimed at limiting Beijing’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies. That status expired on December 31, forcing companies to apply for individual export licences for 2026.

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TSMC clarified that the licence applies specifically to its Nanjing plant, which manufactures 16-nanometre and other mature-node chips rather than the company’s most advanced semiconductors. The Taiwanese chipmaker also operates a fabrication plant in Shanghai, but has not disclosed whether similar arrangements apply there.

According to TSMC’s 2024 annual report, the Nanjing facility accounted for about 2.4% of the company’s total revenue, highlighting its relatively modest but still strategically important role in TSMC’s global manufacturing network.

The decision underscores Washington’s attempt to balance strict controls on cutting-edge semiconductor technology with limited flexibility for mature-node production that supports global supply chains, even as geopolitical and technological competition with China continues to intensify.

Taiwan’s Chip Industry a Pillar of Global Stability and National Defence, Tsai Ing-wen Says

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Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told the Berlin Freedom Conference on Monday that Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor industry not only underpins global prosperity but also strengthens the island’s defence and resilience amid growing external threats.

“Our high-tech sector, particularly in semiconductors, has become an indispensable part of the global economy,” Tsai said. “In an age where AI also defines power, Taiwan’s chip industry anchors global prosperity.”

Tsai emphasized that Taiwan’s role as a global technology hub has become a strategic asset for both economic and national security, reinforcing its position in the global supply chain while deterring potential aggression.

“Now, it is such an initiative that helps Taiwan strengthen its defence and societal resilience in the face of threats,” she added, stressing that Taiwan remains committed to sharing its expertise with international partners.

While Taiwan maintains official diplomatic ties with only the Vatican in Europe, Tsai noted growing engagement with European countries such as Britain, France, Lithuania, and Poland, which have continued to host Taiwanese officials despite Beijing’s objections.

Her remarks come as the island’s semiconductor industry — led by TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker — continues to play a central role in global AI and advanced computing technologies, making Taiwan a critical player in the modern digital economy.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Takes Charge of AI Strategy After CTO Departs for OpenAI

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Intel announced that its CEO Lip-Bu Tan will directly oversee the company’s artificial intelligence strategy, following the departure of Chief Technology Officer Sachin Katti to OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

Katti, who had led Intel’s AI division since a major management reshuffle in January, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he joined OpenAI, where he will focus on building the company’s compute infrastructure to support artificial general intelligence (AGI) research.

Intel confirmed the move in a statement, saying: “We thank Sachin for his contributions and wish him all the best. Lip-Bu will lead the AI and Advanced Technologies Groups, working closely with the team. AI remains one of Intel’s highest strategic priorities.”

The leadership change comes at a crucial time for Intel, which is working to reposition itself in the AI chip race dominated by Nvidia and TSMC. While Intel’s CPUs are still widely used in AI server systems, the company has struggled to deliver a competitive data center AI chip to match Nvidia’s specialized silicon.

Katti joined Intel four years ago, initially heading its networking group before being promoted by then-CEO Pat Gelsinger. Under Tan, who took over in March 2025, Katti became both Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer in April, part of a broader restructuring to streamline decision-making.

Tan, a seasoned industry leader known for bold turnarounds, has been reshaping Intel’s leadership. He recently expanded Naga Chandrasekaran’s responsibilities to strengthen Intel’s foundry operations and hired Kevork Kechichian, formerly of Arm, to head its data center division.

Intel continues to emphasize AI as central to its recovery strategy amid fierce global competition.