U.S. uncovers TSMC chip presence in Huawei's processor, vows to penalize the company responsible for supplying Huawei
In a recent development, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has halted shipments to Sophgo, a Chinese company, following the discovery of a TSMC chip in Huawei's Ascend 910B. This move comes as the U.S. authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Ascend 910B, released by Huawei in 2022, is the most advanced AI chip from a Chinese company to date. However, its success, if any, will have to be achieved without Western innovations, as the U.S. is taking measures to prevent Huawei's success by blacklisting companies associated with it.
TSMC, a Taiwanese company, is considered a source of Western technology despite China's claim that Taiwan is a province. The company heavily relies on advanced chip-making equipment and software tools from the United States. To use U.S. technology, TSMC must comply with U.S. export restrictions.
Sophgo, which primarily supplies local governments and state-owned firms in China, has denied any business relationship with Huawei. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to list the entity Sophgo on its Entity List, and this decision will officially take effect on September 18, 2025. The addition of Sophgo to the Entity List restricts trade with the company, and the U.S. is not buying any products from Sophgo due to its association with Huawei.
The U.S. considers Sophgo a threat to national security, a claim that has been echoed by the Biden administration, which is planning to blacklist a Chinese company linked to Huawei for illegally incorporating a TSMC-made chip into Huawei's AI processor.
This move by the U.S. government is part of a broader strategy to contain Huawei's influence, particularly in the face of growing tensions between the U.S. and China. Taiwan has close ties with the United States and Western allies, further solidifying the U.S. stance against companies like Sophgo.
Huawei plans to mass-produce the Ascend 910C by early 2025. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the global tech industry and geopolitical relations.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
