The US Department of Commerce announced on August 29, 2025, that it will revoke the "Validated End-User" (VEU) status previously granted to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix for their semiconductor factories in China. Starting January 2026, South Korean companies will need to apply for case-by-case approval to introduce American equipment into their Chinese production lines

Analysts say the US government's decision to revoke Verified End-User (VEU) authorizations for semiconductor equipment exports to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix's Chinese factories appears primarily aimed at gaining leverage in negotiations over rare earths with China. VEU permits allow pre-approved companies to import US technology without case-by-case license applications, and the withdrawal on August 31, 2025, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to semiconductor production in China

The US Commerce Department has told TSMC it will revoke the company's Verified End-User (VEU) status for its Nanjing factory by December 31, 2025. TSMC said on September 2 that the decision will not disrupt operations. The announcement follows Washington's decision to end similar exemptions for Samsung and SK Hynix in China

China's Ministry of Commerce has ruled that US optical fiber producers circumvented existing anti-dumping measures by altering trade patterns and exporting a different category of single-mode optical fibers to China. The decision expands current anti-dumping tariffs on US dispersion-unshifted single-mode optical fiber (G.652) to include cut-off shifted single-mode optical fiber (G.654.C)

GlobalFoundries (GF), the US-based contract chipmaker, is accelerating its "China for China" strategy through a partnership with Guangzhou Zen Semiconductor (Zensemi). The collaboration aims to deepen local production and supply-chain integration, targeting surging demand in South China's fast-growing new energy vehicle (NEV) market

In early 2025, a leading Chinese third-category silicon carbide (SiC) substrate manufacturer faced international IDM customer complaints over product quality, triggering market concerns and cautious responses. Despite challenges abroad, the company refocused on China's domestic market, maintaining stable growth amid intense local price competition

The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revoked the "Validated End-User" (VEU) status for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, ending a key exemption that allowed the companies to ship equipment to their fabs in China without prior approval. The move tightens Washington's grip on the two South Korean chipmakers' operations in China, forcing future expansions and equipment upgrades through a burdensome case-by-case review

The generative AI surge is accelerating at record pace, with computing power emerging as the decisive asset. As advanced AI chips grow scarce under tightening export controls, China is pursuing workarounds — from cloud platforms to supernode clusters and leasing models — to secure a self-sufficient computing ecosystem

Japan's Anritsu has teamed up with US chipmaker AMD to launch an automated testing platform for next-generation high-speed transmission, targeting the surging demand from AI data centers. The solution, called System Board Passive Channel (SBPC) Analysis Master, enables consistent validation across diverse devices and environments

Taiwan-based Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) is strengthening its international and cloud strategy through its cloud business, Nextlink. FET has announced it has signed a 100% share acquisition agreement with Hong Kong-based cloud service technology firm Renova Cloud, through which FET will gain control of Renova Cloud's subsidiary in Vietnam

Wolfspeed's recovery from bankruptcy protection remains uncertain, with core problems expected to extend beyond its anticipated year-end exit. The US power semiconductor firm is struggling with weak yields in 8-inch silicon carbide (SiC) device production, while fast-growing Chinese competitors are undercutting its market share and earnings, DIGITIMES reported

China is ramping up efforts to build an integrated nationwide computing network as the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) intensifies. The State Council's "AI+" strategy aims for AI adoption across more than 70% of industries by 2027 and above 90% by 2030. Analysts estimate that by 2035, AI could contribute over CNY11 trillion (approx. US$1.54 trillion) to GDP, equivalent to 4-5% of the economy

China's smartphone shipments fell nearly 4% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, despite government initiatives aimed at stimulating demand through purchase subsidies for ICT terminal products. The attempt to boost sales has struggled against extended replacement cycles and widespread market penetration