Key Points:
- SMIC and Hua Hong are leading a push for advanced chips.
- Companies aim to produce 7-nanometer and 5-nanometer technology.
- Plans call for hitting 100,000 wafers within two years.
- A long-term goal targets adding 500,000 wafers by 2030.
China’s biggest semiconductor companies are launching an aggressive plan to build more powerful computer chips. According to a report from Nikkei on Wednesday, top manufacturers want to ramp up production to satisfy the booming demand for artificial intelligence. Major players like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co (SMIC) and Hua Hong Semiconductor are leading this charge.
The effort involves more than just making more chips; it involves making smarter ones. These companies, along with several firms linked to Huawei, are preparing to produce semiconductors at the 7-nanometer and 5-nanometer performance levels. These advanced sizes are crucial because they offer the speed and efficiency needed to run modern AI models and high-end smartphones.
The production targets are incredibly high. Right now, China produces fewer than 20,000 of these advanced wafers. Sources say the new plan aims to skyrocket that number to 100,000 wafers in just one to two years. This increase would drastically change the landscape of the local tech industry.
Looking further into the future, the goals become even larger. The report indicates that China wants to add capacity for another 500,000 wafers by the year 2030. This timeline suggests a sustained, decade-long commitment to building a massive domestic supply chain.
This push for domestic power comes at a critical time. As trade rules make it harder to buy technology from the United States and other nations, Chinese firms feel the pressure to build their own hardware. By mastering 5-nanometer technology at home, they can ensure their tech sector keeps growing without relying on foreign suppliers.
The move also signals that China refuses to slow down in the global AI race. Since artificial intelligence requires massive computing power, controlling the factories that build the “brains” of these systems is a top priority for Beijing. SMIC and its partners are now moving fast to turn these ambitious numbers into reality.
