22
Apr
22
Apr
Huawei, Tencent, ByteDance scale up AI hiring to counter US tech blockade
As US-China tensions over artificial intelligence reach new heights in 2025, the tech conflict has entered a critical stage. The US Commerce Department has launched an export review of Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, designed specifically for China, sending shockwaves through the global semiconductor sector. In response, Chinese tech giants are launching an unprecedented AI hiring and training drive, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign innovation and boost homegrown capabilities.
22
Apr
Tariff pressure triggers China Inc.’s southbound shift — Lenovo, Haier relocate hubs to India
With US-China trade tensions escalating, the Trump administration has hiked tariffs on Chinese imports to as high as 245%, sharply increasing pressure on Chinese exporters. In contrast, Indian goods entering the US still face a modest 10% tariff during the current grace period. This, combined with deepening US-India ties under the Indo-Pacific strategy, is driving a wave of Chinese companies to shift production to India as they seek localized manufacturing and alternative export bases.
22
Apr
IBM CEO sounds alarm on chip supply risk; backs Rapidus as strategic counterweight
As the semiconductor industry shifts toward geographic diversification and manufacturing resilience, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna says Japan-based Rapidus is emerging as a critical player—not just for Japan or IBM, but for the global semiconductor ecosystem at large.
22
Apr
Taiwan chipmakers face mounting pressure from Trump’s trade policies
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry confronts growing uncertainty as the Trump administration escalates trade tensions with threats of new tariffs and investigations. Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo warned that any Taiwanese investments in the US must undergo government review based on national security considerations.
22
Apr
Taiwan-Japan chip alliance gets a boost with Fukuoka trade outpost
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) inaugurated a new Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Fukuoka on April 21, marking a key step in deepening Taiwan-Japan industrial ties amid growing collaboration spurred by TSMC’s flagship chip plant in Kumamoto.
22
Apr
Taiwan’s ex-Tech Minister on trade wars: Bet on AI, not tariffs
With Donald Trump returning to the White House, the US-China trade war is intensifying, prompting some analysts to warn of a new Cold War. As Washington rolls out sweeping import tariffs and pushes to reshore semiconductor and server production, global supply chains are already showing signs of realignment.
22
Apr
SEMI Country: Taiwan’s gamble in a fracturing global economy
As Washington and Beijing continue to unleash tariff volleys in their escalating trade war, few countries can remain untouched. But for Taiwan—a technology powerhouse strategically wedged between the two rival superpowers—the unfolding crisis may present both peril and possibility.
22
Apr
OpenAI’s open-source pivot isn’t altruism—it’s a strategic recalibration
OpenAI has revealed plans to release an open-source AI model in the coming months, though it is still evaluating the appropriate scale for the release. The announcement comes alongside the launch of Codex CLI, an open-source development tool aimed at reinforcing OpenAI’s developer ecosystem. While the move signals a growing push toward openness, the company faces two major hurdles: mitigating potential use by Chinese competitors and preserving its revenue growth trajectory.
21
Apr
China’s JCET hits all-time high in 2024 revenue, cements global OSAT third position
JCET Group, China’s top OSAT provider, reported record revenue of CNY35.962 billion (US$4.9 billion) for 2024, up 21.24% compared to the previous year. Net income attributable to shareholders rose 9.44% to CNY1.61 billion, while adjusted net profit climbed 17.02% to CNY1.55 billion. Earnings per share increased 9.76% to CNY0.9.