Chip and AI, China accelerates and aims to triple production by 2026

Bans and tariffs are not enough. The Chinese innovation agenda does not change and does not stop. This seems to be what Beijing's semiconductor plan is all about. Because if the United States continues to press the stop pedal, with the aim of halting the Chinese race for artificial intelligence, the response is anything but submissive.

According to the Financial Times, the country is preparing for an unprecedented acceleration in the production of chips for artificial intelligence. And it is doing so with two clear objectives in mind: to close the gap with the United States and to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers (see under Nvidia).

Beijing aims to triple the national capacity of AI processors as early as 2026, a goal that passes through new production facilities and increasing integration between hardware manufacturers and software developers.

The long vicissitudes of the last three years, which have seen Nvidia play a leading role (with its depowered processor, H20), have convinced the Chinese government that the road of technological autonomy is the only possible way to play the leading role. Hence investments and strategic moves.

The most powerful players have been called upon to take the field. Starting with Huawei, which will open three factories dedicated to chips between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, And the combined capacity of these factories, once fully operational, could exceed the current capacity of SMIC, China's leading foundry at the moment. SMIC itself plans to double its 7-nanometer chip production in 2026, the highest level of technology available in China today. Huawei is the main customer for these lines, but the expansion will also open up space for smaller players such as Cambricon, MetaX and Biren, who will be able to count on more resources to challenge a market left bare by Nvidia after the export restrictions imposed by Washington.