The United States government is seeking more information about the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, a Chinese smartphone that features a new 5G Kirin 9000s processor. This development has shocked industry experts who were unsure how Huawei could have access to advanced chip technology given the US restrictions on exports to China. In 2019, the US government banned American companies from selling software and equipment to Huawei and restricted international chipmakers using US-made technology from partnering with Huawei, citing national security concerns. The inclusion of a custom-built 5G chip in the Mate 60 Pro is seen as a significant milestone for Huawei as it navigates the impact of these restrictions on its business.
The launch of the Mate 60 Pro has generated excitement in China, where Huawei was once a top global smartphone brand. The use of Chinese-made silicon in the device is seen as a comeback for the company and a testament to its ‘Made in China’ reputation. However, industry experts question how Huawei managed to source all the necessary components for a 5G smartphone under the restrictive US measures, such as power amps, switches, and filters. The lack of information provided by Huawei about the chip on its website product page has also raised eyebrows.
Consultant firm TechInsights conducted a breakdown of the Mate 60 Pro and found that the chip appeared to be a 7-nanometer processor made by China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), a partially state-owned Chinese company that was included in previous US export restrictions. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for more information about the chip and suggested that the US should continue its technology restrictions focused on national security concerns.
In summary, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, featuring a custom-built 5G chip, has raised questions about how Huawei obtained advanced chip technology despite US restrictions. The launch of the device has generated excitement in China but also skepticism among industry experts. The US government is seeking more information about the chip to determine if American restrictions on semiconductor exports were bypassed. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the US and China in the tech industry and the challenges faced by Huawei as it strives to overcome the impact of US restrictions on its business.
