China’s pursuit of semiconductor self-sufficiency has received a massive boost with a nearly $2 billion investment in Changxin Xinqiao, a promising memory chip company. Orchestrated through China’s state-backed chip investment fund, known as the “Big Fund”, this strategic move represents 33.15% of the company’s total registered capital, highlighting China’s commitment to strengthening its semiconductor industry.

Since its launch in 2014, the “Big Fund” has been a testament to China’s ambitious efforts to bridge the gap between its semiconductor industry and global leaders like the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea. Earlier in 2023, the fund injected substantial capital into Yangtza Memory Technologies (YMTC), China’s main contender in the global NAND memory market, further demonstrating its dedication to enhancing the nation’s semiconductor prowess.

Established in 2021, Changxin Xinqiao is on a mission to establish a manufacturing base for 12-inch memory wafers and drive mass production of integrated dynamic random access memory (DRAM) design and manufacturing within China. This investment goes beyond providing financial support and serves as a strategic move aimed at reducing China’s reliance on foreign chip suppliers, particularly in the critical memory chip segment. 

Memory chips are crucial components for various electronic devices, from smartphones to gaming consoles. However, domestic production in China has struggled to keep up with demand, leading to heavy dependence on imports. Investing in Changxin Xinqiao is a crucial step in China’s broader strategy to achieve technological self-sufficiency.

The investment follows the “Big Fund’s” previous backing of YMTC, which, despite facing challenges such as blacklisting by the United States due to concerns over technology diversion to Huawei, has been expanding its manufacturing capacity and intensifying research and development efforts. By channeling capital into memory chip companies, China is sending a clear message that it aims to enhance its capabilities in memory chip design and production. 

In an increasingly digital economy where semiconductors play a vital role, China’s investment strategy offers a glimpse into the nation’s long-term vision. A vision of self-reliance, technological leadership, and a reshaping of global semiconductor supply chains.

Furthermore, China’s state-backed chip investment fund has investment fund has invested 14.56 billion yuan ($1.99 billion) in changxin Xinqiao, contributing to 33.15% of the company’s total registered capital. Founded in 2012 in Hefei City, Changxin Xinqiao is leading the charge inestablishing a manufacturing base for 12-inch memory (DRAM) design and manufacturing, a significant milestone in China’s semiconductor industry.