While Xiaomi prepares to launch its first self-developed smartphone system on chip (SoC) in 2025, major chipmakers Qualcomm and MediaTek maintain their composure, expressing confidence in their market positions despite the Chinese manufacturer's entry into the semiconductor space

SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are focusing on upgrading equipment, transitioning processes, and expanding high-bandwidth memory (HBM) packaging capacity instead of investing in new equipment for 2025. This strategic approach aims to maintain their competitive advantage while managing supply-demand dynamics and pricing stability. However, increased DRAM production by Chinese competitors may challenge the success of this "natural attrition" strategy

Xiaomi is preparing a self-designed mobile processor for its upcoming smartphones in an effort to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers Qualcomm and MediaTek

South Korean media report that SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have reduced their reliance on China over the past seven quarters. SK Hynix's China revenue dropped from 30% to 24%, while Samsung's equipment assets in China fell from 8% to under 5%, signaling ongoing decoupling efforts among South Korea's semiconductor giants

Huawei's product launch event took place on the afternoon of November 26, showcasing what it claims to be the "most powerful" Mate in history, along with the fourth iteration of Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance—"Maextro," developed in collaboration with JAC Motors. This announcement comes just before the US is expected to announce an expansion of its restrictions against China, drawing significant attention from the public and industry observers

Jae-yong Lee, chairman of Samsung Electronics (Samsung), was indicted in September 2020 on charges related to illegal inheritance and management practices. He has faced judicial risks for nearly four years, coupled with recent deteriorating performance in Samsung's core semiconductor business and insufficient technological competitiveness, the company's crisis is more severe than ever

Korean memory vendors intend to promote LPDDR5 as the prevalent specification, which will necessitate a reduction in the output of LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X chips, according to industry sources

China's government has initiated a new wave of subsidies under the "Trade-In for New" policy for televisions and consumer electronics, effectively boosting TV demand. However, compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Holiday, the sales volume in the latest Single's Day shopping festival was lower than expected. Still, the surge in high-end TVs such as ultra-large screens and Mini LED backlight models significantly lifted overall sales revenue

Industry sources indicate that while the Japanese government maintains high expectations for Rapidus, contingency plans are being developed. Recently appointed Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's new Prime Minister, has pledged over JPY10 trillion (US$64.7 billion) to strengthen the domestic semiconductor and AI industries over the next seven years, with Rapidus as a primary focus. The package may include financial incentives to attract TSMC to establish a third wafer fab in Japan

The US is reportedly poised to implement new restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, potentially affecting around 200 Chinese chip firms. The move could strengthen Taiwan's IC design sector against Chinese competition

Japanese space communications pioneers are charting an alternative path in the global satellite internet race, pushing beyond traditional satellite networks with a comprehensive strategy that spans from ocean to space. The initiative aims to address the growing demands of Beyond 5G/6G communications while facilitating the transition to a decentralized society

TSMC has halted providing advanced AI chips at 7 nanometers and below to Chinese customers, highlighting mounting challenges for China's semiconductor industry. The suspension follows the discovery of TSMC-produced chips in Huawei devices and comes as the incoming Trump administration signals potential stricter sanctions. At the IC China 2024 in Beijing, industry leaders expressed both caution and resolve, calling for intensified efforts in generative AI and semiconductor technology to capitalize on China's vast market potential

Huawei is reportedly advancing its plans to mass-produce the Ascend 910C AI chip in the first quarter of 2025, even as the company grapples with extremely low wafer yields. Simultaneously, China's AI chip development faces mounting barriers under intense scrutiny from the US Department of Commerce

President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary may give Beijing room to negotiate with the US over their trade tensions, in part due to his moderate stance on tariffs

Apple CEO Tim Cook joined more than 20 corporate leaders in discussions with China's premier Monday, as global companies grapple with potential trade disruptions and economic uncertainty