DIGITIMES Asia news

Friday 9 May 2025

Naura overtakes SMIC in net profit as China's chip tool strategy delivers

Naura Technology Group, China's top semiconductor equipment supplier, reported a record net profit of CNY5.62 billion (US$776.5 million) in 2024, surpassing SMIC for the first time. The milestone underscores the financial upside of Beijing's intensified push for localized chipmaking tools amid US tech restrictions

Thursday 8 May 2025

Ex-SK Hynix employee charged in South Korea for leaking chip tech to HiSilicon

A former employee surnamed Kim at the Chinese division of South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix has been indicted on charges of leaking confidential semiconductor technologies, including advanced image sensors and chip packaging techniques, amid an alleged attempt to defect to HiSilicon, a semiconductor subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Huawei

Thursday 8 May 2025

US confronts battery shortfall as Chinese solar giants gear up for tenfold expansion

China dominates global solar manufacturing with an 85% market share, a position that has prompted strategic shifts in US policy. During former President Joe Biden's administration, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offered substantial subsidies, enticing Chinese solar firms to establish US-based factories. In contrast, President Donald Trump has signaled intentions to repeal the IRA and escalate tariff wars, further accelerating Chinese manufacturers' rush to build American facilities

Thursday 8 May 2025

SK Hynix to end DDR4 production by 2Q26, sparks supply crunch

The two major South Korean DRAM manufacturers are each preparing to discontinue their older DDR4 production lines. Following Samsung Electronics' early April announcement of its end-of-life (EOL) plan, SK Hynix recently notified suppliers with an EOL letter regarding DDR4 chips. The company plans to phase out 8GB and 16GB DDR4 chips produced using the 1z nanometer process, officially entering the discontinuation stage by April 2026

Thursday 8 May 2025

Chinese semiconductor equipment firms post mixed 2024 results amid US pressures

Chinese listed semiconductor equipment and materials companies released their 2024 annual financial reports in late April, revealing strong revenue growth but a decline in overall profitability. Despite intensified US sanctions, the sector demonstrated resilience through increased capital investments and strategic restructuring, signaling China's determination to bolster its semiconductor industry

Thursday 8 May 2025

China's quantum leap: Microsoft warns of 'race the US can't afford to lose' in the wake of Origin Tianji 4.0 debut

As quantum computing emerges as a pivotal battleground in global tech competition, tensions between China and the US continue to intensify. On May 6, 2025, Hefei-based Origin Quantum unveiled its fourth-generation quantum measurement and control system—Origin Tianji 4.0—marking a significant breakthrough in China's push toward localized, mass-producible quantum technologies. The launch triggered an immediate response from Microsoft President Brad Smith, who warned that "the US cannot afford to lose" in the quantum race

Thursday 8 May 2025

Geely bids to take Zeekr private at US$6.4 billion valuation

Billionaire Li Shufu is ramping up a push to streamline his sprawling business empire, with his Hong Kong-listed Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. offering to take premium electric-car maker Zeekr Private

Thursday 8 May 2025

Tesla debuts LiDAR-free self-driving system in China as FSD awaits approval

Tesla has rolled out a new camera-based driver-assistance system in China while awaiting government approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Unlike most Chinese EV makers that rely on LiDAR sensors, Tesla is sticking to a vision-only approach, it says offers superior performance and lower costs

Thursday 8 May 2025

Solar industry reveals ultimate impact of US tariff tsunami

The US recently imposed final anti-dumping duties on solar cell and module manufacturers from four Southeast Asian countries—Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia—with rates of 34.4%, 395.9%, 375.2%, and a staggering 3,521% for Cambodia

Wednesday 7 May 2025

Anduril's founder sounds alarm on US-China military rivalry, touts AI as key to Taiwan Strait stability

In a recent speech, Palmer Luckey, the innovative force behind defense technology firm Anduril Industries, invoked a hypothetical Taiwan Strait conflict to underscore the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare

Wednesday 7 May 2025

Chinese panel makers cut output amid weak demand and US tariffs

A combination of rising US tariffs, reduced benefits from China's "trade-in" subsidy program, and mounting inventory challenges has prompted Chinese panel makers to scale back production during the five-day May Day holiday. This measure aims to support prices, which have remained relatively flat since the end of April, preventing a sharp drop amid slowing purchasing activity from television brands

Wednesday 7 May 2025

US manufacturing renaissance spurs China's strategic semiconductor expansion

China's foundry industry has seen explosive growth in mature semiconductor manufacturing over the past five years—a trend reflected in ASML's financial disclosures, where Chinese businesses once accounted for as much as 40–50% of revenue. But by early 2025, that figure had dropped to about 25%

Wednesday 7 May 2025

Chinese rivals threaten Transsion's Africa smartphone crown

Once crowned the undisputed "smartphone king of Africa," China's Transsion is now battling mounting challenges. While revenue continues to climb, the company faces declining margins and growing pressure from rivals in its core African markets

Wednesday 7 May 2025

ASEAN+3 reaffirms commitment to regional financial stability amid global uncertainties

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the ASEAN+3 countries convened in Milan on May 4, 2025, for the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (AFMGM+3), co-chaired by Malaysia and China. The high-level dialogue underscored regional economic resilience, despite mounting global challenges, and produced a strong joint statement committing to bolstered financial cooperation, macroeconomic stability, and sustainable growth

Wednesday 7 May 2025

China EV makers hit the brakes on autonomy after fatal Xiaomi crash

The fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 and three students has sparked nationwide backlash and triggered a fundamental shift in how Chinese automakers market self-driving technology. The buzzword "smart driving" is rapidly being phased out in favor of the more conservative and safety-conscious term "assisted driving.

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Jun 30, 16:14

Vietnam's new crypto law sets global standard for token regulation and licensing

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