, Columnist
Will a Chip Czar Guarantee China Success? It’s a Moon Shot
The leapfrog strategy has merit, but history does Beijing no favors when it comes to semiconductor advancement.
Liu He.
Photographer: Jason Alden/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
China’s decision to anoint a chip czar is the latest step to advance its semiconductor industry. It won’t be a magic solution for all the challenges the nation faces in catching up to the U.S., Taiwan and South Korea.
Vice Premier Liu He is an obvious and worthy choice to spearhead the development of future semiconductor technologies. He’s headed China’s technology reform since at least 2018 while his position within leader Xi Jinping’s inner circle — he has been chief negotiator in U.S.-China trade talks — ensures his recommendations get heard.