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Tech war: China semiconductor expert suggests vigilance in buying Nvidia’s H200 AI chips
The US has an inconsistent stance on advanced chips, alternating between limited easing and renewed pressure, Wei Shaojun says
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Ann Caoin Shanghai
Influential Chinese semiconductor expert Wei Shaojun urged caution for mainland companies that place orders for Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips, as it remained a puzzle why the US government would make these advanced integrated circuits available to the country.
“The US’ inconsistent stance on advanced chips – alternating between limited easing and renewed pressure – has left users struggling to discern its true strategic intent,” Wei, vice-president at the China Semiconductor Industry Association, said in an interview with the Global Times.
According to Wei, who also serves as a professor at Tsinghua University and Peking University, China’s semiconductor industry must remain highly vigilant of US export controls, while continuing to drive self-sufficiency in advanced chip development.
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While admitting that importing advanced computing products could help address short-term demand from areas that include scientific research, healthcare and smart cities, he said: “China’s determination to adhere to independent innovation should not waver.”
Wei’s assessment put a frame of reference on US President Donald Trump’s decision last month to greenlight the release of H200 chips to China and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s optimism about “strong demand” for the H200 in the world’s second-largest economy.
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According to Nvidia chief financial officer Colette Kress, the US chip developer has applied for licences to sell the H200 chips to China, but was waiting for approvals from the US and other governments to ship them.
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