US lacks evidence of Huawei’s ability to mass produce advanced smartphones.
US lacks evidence of Huawei's ability to mass produce advanced smartphones.
Chinese Manufacturer Huawei Faces Uncertainty in Smartphone Chip Production, U.S. Commerce Secretary Says
Washington, Sept 19 (ANBLE) – In a recent update, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, shared that the U.S. government has no evidence to suggest that Chinese manufacturer Huawei is capable of producing smartphones with advanced chips on a large scale. Raimondo made this statement during a U.S. House hearing where she expressed her concern about Huawei’s recent launch of the Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which reportedly contains a chip believed to have been developed using breakthrough technology from Chinese chip foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). However, Raimondo cast doubt on Huawei’s ability to manufacture advanced seven-nanometer chips, questioning their scalability.
The Background
Since 2019, the U.S. government has restricted Huawei’s access to certain chipmaking tools, citing concerns over national security and the potential risk of unauthorized surveillance on American telecommunications networks. Huawei denies these allegations, but the restrictions have significantly impacted the company’s business operations. As a result, the U.S. Commerce Department has been actively investigating the character and composition of the chip used in Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro phone, as it may potentially violate trade restrictions, particularly if it was made using U.S. technology. Raimondo’s remarks at the House Science Committee hearing revealed her frustration with the news of Huawei’s advancements in smartphone technology.
Political Pressure and Calls for Export Control
Some Republican representatives are advocating for a complete halt in technology exports to Huawei and SMIC, highlighting their concerns over national security. The chairs of the House Foreign Affairs, Energy and Commerce, Armed Services, and select China committees have called on the Commerce Department to cease granting licenses to both Huawei and SMIC. They argue for increased pressure on China and the implementation of more effective export controls on U.S. adversaries. However, Raimondo declined to comment on whether she is considering ending all licenses for Huawei.
Surprise Announcement Sparks Congressional Questions
During the House hearing, Republican Representative Darrell Issa pointed out that Raimondo happened to be in China when Huawei unveiled its new 5G phone. Issa, seemingly taken aback by the announcement, highlighted Raimondo’s unexpected situation and branded it as being “bushwhacked.” This incident emphasizes the ongoing scrutiny and tension between the U.S. government and Chinese technology companies.
Seeking Information and Concerns over Chinese Government’s Ban on iPhones
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has expressed the U.S. government’s interest in obtaining more information about the Huawei chip. The investigation suggests a persistent effort to gather crucial details and assess potential risks associated with Huawei’s smartphone technology. Additionally, Raimondo acknowledged concerns over the apparent bans imposed by the Chinese government on the use of Apple’s iPhones by some Chinese officials. This highlights the complex and evolving dynamics between China and U.S. technology companies.
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In conclusion, the U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s remarks regarding Huawei’s smartphone chip production shed light on the ongoing concerns and uncertainties surrounding the company. While Huawei has made advancements in smartphone technology, the U.S. government remains skeptical about their ability to produce advanced chips at scale. The potential violations of trade restrictions and the overarching national security concerns have prompted calls for stricter export controls. The tensions between the U.S. and China in the technology sector continue to evolve, and further investigations and discussions will undoubtedly shape the future relationship between the two countries.
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