US determined to halt China's chip game plan with SMIC sanctions

Export controls hamstring 'Made in China' and Japanese suppliers

The new restrictions make it difficult for SMIC to import vital equipment for manufacturing semiconductors, an area in which Japanese companies such as Tokyo Electron and Screen Holdings excel. © AP

SHUNSUKE TABETA and GEN NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writers

September 28, 2020 03:46 JST

BEIJING/TOKYO -- The U.S. has struck at the heart of Beijing's ambition to become self-sufficient in semiconductors as the Trump administration issues its latest crackdown on Chinese tech companies, tightening export controls on top chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co.

The de facto ban announced Friday makes it difficult for SMIC to import vital equipment for manufacturing semiconductors, an area in which Japanese companies such as Tokyo Electron and Screen Holdings [formerly Dainippon Screen] excel.