The processor is the first to utilize SMIC’s most advanced 7nm technology and suggests the Chinese government is making some headway in attempts to build a domestic chip ecosystem, according to the research firm.
“It’s a pretty important statement for China,” TechInsights Vice Chair Dan Hutcheson said. “SMIC’s technology advances are on an accelerated trajectory, and appear to have addressed yield-impacting issues in their 7nm technology.”
It was no normal gadget. And its launch has sparked hushed concern in Washington that US sanctions have failed to prevent China from making a key technological advance.
Such a development would seem to fulfill warnings from US chipmakers that sanctions wouldn’t stop China, but would spur it to redouble efforts to build alternatives to US technology.
