The picture shows a “StarDragon” 48 core processor chip compatible with ARMv8-A architecture. The chip was launched by Huaxintong Semiconductor Technology, a joint venture between Qualcomm and Southwest China’s Guizhou Province, at the ARM Server Industry Eco-system Summit during the 2018 China International Big Data Industry Expo held in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou on Sunday. Photo: IC

The China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) announced on Thursday the official establishment of a joint working group on technology and trade restrictions in the semiconductor industry with its US counterpart after several rounds of discussions, which aims to further strengthen the information sharing and bilateral communications over the trade barrier, supply-chain security and coded technology in the field.

This came after the Chinese chip making giant Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) has reportedly received licenses to import equipment from certain US companies for use in mature processes early this month, a sign of change as the US sanction in the Trump-era has disrupted global chip industry.

Through the working group, both sides expect to enhance communication and exchanges, as well as promote deeper mutual understanding and trust, according to the statement with CSIA on Thursday.

The working group will address the concerns of the semiconductor industries of China and the US through dialogue and cooperation in accordance with fair competition, intellectual property rights protection and global trade rules, and work together to build a robust and resilient global semiconductor value chain, the statement said.

The working group plans to meet twice a year to share the latest progress in technology and trade-restrictive policies between the two countries. Based on the areas of common concern, they will explore countermeasures and recommendations and identify areas for further study. 

This year's working group meeting will be held online and face-to-face meetings will be held in the future depending on the situation.

According to the outcome of the consultation, the two associations will appoint 10 semiconductor member companies to participate in the working group to share relevant information and conduct dialogue, said CSIA.

Global Times