In 2024, as global technological competition intensifies, the semiconductor war between China and the United States has escalated further. The U.S. strategic focus has begun to shift from advanced chips to so-called "legacy chips." This move not only involves national security and economic interests but also has profound implications for the global semiconductor supply chain.

Policy Background and Development:The US government has long been concerned about high - end chip technology. However, in recent years, it has expressed increasing concerns about the security and supply chain independence of traditional chips of 28 nanometers and above. Kendler, the assistant secretary of the US Department of Commerce, emphasized that although the focus is on advanced chips, traditional chips have also become a concern that cannot be ignored.
Security and Economic Factors:Although traditional chips are not as cutting - edge as advanced chips, they play an indispensable role in key industries such as telecommunications, automobiles, and national defense. A report from a US think - tank pointed out that neglecting traditional chips may lead to potential vulnerabilities in the national defense system. At the same time, restricting Chinas traditional chip capacity building is out of consideration for curbing its technological rise.
Regulations and Measures:The US has tried to limit its dependence on Chinese traditional chips through various measures, such as investment reviews and trade investigations. Specifically, the US - China Economic and Security Review Commission recommended imposing comprehensive tariffs, and the House of Representatives proposed imposing import tariffs on Chinese traditional chips.

Production Capacity and Market Share:According to Trend Force data, Chinas traditional chip production capacity is expected to grow significantly by 2027. Mainland China and Taiwan are already the main production bases for global 20-45nm node chips.
Investment and Technology Upgrades:Despite external pressure, Chinas investment in the traditional chip field has continued to increase, and its technological level has been steadily improved. Domestic chip manufacturers such as SMIC have made progress in 28 - nanometer and above node technologies.
International Influence:The market share of Chinese foundries has been rising year by year, demonstrating Chinas important position in the global semiconductor industry chain. Mastery of traditional chips has enhanced Chinas competitiveness in the international market, especially during periods of supply chain instability.

Trade Tools and Policy Measures:The US is considering using a variety of trade tools such as anti - dumping, counter - vailing, 232 national security investigations, and 301 investigations to counter the development of Chinese traditional chips. These measures aim to protect national security and maintain technological superiority, but they may also trigger a global supply chain restructuring.
Impact on the Chinese Semiconductor Industry:The USs restrictive measures may weaken the international market competitiveness of Chinese traditional chip enterprises. However, this also prompts China to accelerate independent innovation and industrial upgrading, reducing its dependence on external technologies and materials.
The Future of the Global Semiconductor Industry:The intensifying semiconductor competition between China and the US may promote the global semiconductor industry to develop in a more diversified and regionalized direction. Countries may re - evaluate their positions in the global semiconductor industry chain, promoting the development of domestic industries.

The extension of the China - US chip war to the traditional chip field reflects the new pattern of global technological competition. Although the US has taken a number of measures to safeguard its security and economic interests, it also provides an opportunity for the adjustment and independent innovation of the global semiconductor industry.