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Weekly news roundup: China’s semiconductor setback, MediaTek gains on Qualcomm, and ongoing US-China chip tensions

Elaine Chen, DIGITIMES Asia, Taipei 0

Credit: AFP

Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from July 7 to July 13, 2025. This week's top three highlights include China’s semiconductor ambitions facing setbacks as Jiangsu Advanced Memory Semiconductor cancels its restructuring amid investment delays. Meanwhile, MediaTek gains ground on Qualcomm in China’s premium smartphone market, signaling a notable industry shift. The US-China semiconductor standoff shows signs of tactical maneuvering, with both sides testing political and economic limits.

China's semiconductor dreams stumble as another fab collapses

On June 13, 2025, Jiangsu Advanced Memory Semiconductor (AMS) announced the cancellation of its restructuring plan. The agreement with Huaxin Jiechuang Integrated Circuits Manufacturing (Guangdong) was terminated after repeated delays in fund transfers caused the planned investment to fall through.

Qualcomm losing presence in Chinese flagship phones, with MediaTek catching up

In a notable shift within the smartphone industry, MediaTek—traditionally viewed as the runner-up in the high-end chip market—is making significant gains against US semiconductor giant Qualcomm in China's premium smartphone segment.

US-China semiconductor standoff sees tactical shifts as rare earths and EDA tools enter the fray

Industry experts note that US-China relations have remained tense since the onset of the trade war, particularly in the sensitive semiconductor sector. However, recent diplomatic gestures indicate both sides may be probing the limits of each other's political and economic resilience.

Exit of TSMC's star procurement VP raises industry eyebrows

Vanessa Lee, Vice President of Materials Management at TSMC, has made headlines with her sudden resignation. Following a month-long leave of absence, TSMC announced on July 11 that Lee is stepping down due to personal reasons and will officially leave the company on July 13, 2025.

Kaynes Technology to set up electronics unit in Kerala with US$58M investment

Kaynes Technology, a leading EMS provider based in India, is planning to set up a new manufacturing facility in Kerala. The company has secured land at the Perumbavoor Industrial Park, a project developed by KINFRA, following a site visit and approval from State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve.

Exclusive: TSMC's GaN exit pulls rug from under BYD

TSMC has confirmed plans to wind down its gallium nitride (GaN) foundry operations over the next two years—a development that could significantly impact the industry, given TSMC's leading position in GaN wafer production. The move has put a spotlight on Navitas Semiconductor, a major GaN client, which revealed the planned exit ahead of TSMC's official confirmation. With the partnership coming to an end, Navitas is now actively seeking new foundry partners.

Google DeepMind spinoff Biotech moves AI-designed drug to human trials

The biotechnology industry is celebrating a significant milestone as Isomorphic Labs, a startup born out of Google DeepMind, gears up to begin human trials for a drug candidate developed through AI. Experts in the field view this advancement as a potential revolution in biomedical research and drug development.

Article edited by Jack Wu