China's Hua Hong Achieves 7-nm Chip Breakthrough, Boosts Tech Self-Reliance Amid US Tensions

• Hua Hong Group's Huali Microelectronics is developing a 7-nanometre (nm) chipmaking process, becoming China's second such advanced chipmaker.
• This marks a major milestone in Beijing's efforts to boost tech self-sufficiency, particularly for artificial intelligence chips, amid the tech war with the US.
• Huawei Technologies collaborated with Hua Hong on the 7-nm technologies, with test production already underway at Hua Hong Fab 6.
• Initial production capacity of a few thousand wafers per month is planned by year-end, with Biren using the line for tape-out.
• The development comes despite Washington easing some tech export controls, as Beijing continues to encourage homegrown alternatives.