China’s chip supply chain ‘safer’ as self-sufficiency push gains traction, says top planner

China's claim of a "much safer" semiconductor supply chain, as stated by the NDRC, points to Beijing's determined effort to counter US export controls. The focus on "full-chain industrial synergy" rather than isolated breakthroughs suggests a maturing strategy to build out domestic capabilities across the entire chip production process. This is a direct response to external pressures, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology and secure a critical industry for China's economic and technological future. The surge in Chinese integrated circuit exports to US$216 billion in the first seven months reflects a significant domestic capacity to meet global AI hardware demand. The "whole nation" approach under the 15th five-year plan indicates sustained state-backed investment and coordination. The thing to watch is the actual performance and scalability of these home-grown technologies, particularly in advanced nodes, as the US continues to tighten restrictions on high-end chip technology.