The US government is Investigating China’s Breakthrough Smartphone

The United States government is actively seeking more information regarding Huawei’s latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, which boasts an advanced 5G Kirin 9000s processor. This move comes amid growing curiosity and scrutiny surrounding the smartphone’s chip technology, particularly in light of US efforts to restrict China’s access to foreign semiconductor technology.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the matter during a White House press briefing, emphasizing the need for clarity on the chip’s “character and composition.” The objective is to ascertain whether any parties circumvented US restrictions on semiconductor exports to develop this new chip.

In 2019, the US government imposed bans on American companies selling software and equipment to Huawei, and it placed restrictions on international chipmakers utilizing US-made technology from partnering with the Chinese tech giant. These measures were rooted in perceived national security concerns, including potential cyberattacks and espionage.

The inclusion of a custom-built 5G chip in the Mate 60 Pro is a significant development for Huawei as it grapples with the ramifications of US restrictions on its device business.

David McQueen, a director at market research firm ABI Research, noted that the launch of the Mate 60 Pro has generated excitement in China. The device, powered by Chinese-made silicon, signifies Huawei’s resurgence in the smartphone market. However, it also raises questions about how the company managed to launch the phone while operating under US restrictions that limited access to 5G technology.

McQueen pointed out the complexities of sourcing various components required for a 5G smartphone, such as power amplifiers, switches, and filters, in the face of export restrictions.

Huawei initially provided limited information about the Mate 60 Pro’s chip, mentioning improved communication and network stability. However, TechInsights, a consulting firm, recently conducted a chip breakdown of the device, revealing that the chip appeared to be a 7-nanometer processor produced by China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). Notably, SMIC, a partially state-owned Chinese firm, was subjected to export restrictions imposed by the US government.

National Security Adviser Sullivan emphasized the importance of maintaining a “small yard, high fence” approach to technology restrictions focused on national security concerns, regardless of the outcome of the current investigation. This suggests a commitment to safeguarding national interests amid ongoing technological developments and geopolitical challenges.