China's Chip Supply Chain 'Safer' as Self-Sufficiency Push Gains Traction, Says Top Planner

During a press conference on Friday, Li Chao, the spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced that China's semiconductor supply chain has become significantly 'safer', indicating notable advancements in the nation's pursuit of chip self-sufficiency amidst increasing US export restrictions. She emphasized that this year has seen a 'significant improvement' in the security of the domestic chip industry’s supply chain, with a steady rise in locally produced chipmaking equipment and materials, transitioning from 'isolated technological breakthroughs' to 'full-chain industrial synergy'. The official also mentioned that Beijing will utilize its 'whole nation' strategy outlined in the 15th five-year plan to achieve key technological advancements. Additionally, Chinese chip firms are experiencing a remarkable surge in demand for artificial intelligence hardware. Recent official statistics revealed that China's integrated circuit exports nearly doubled to US$216 billion in the first seven months.