Experts call for promotion of homegrown chips

It is time for China to promote research and development in and the application of homegrown chips in various sectors either by leveraging government procurement plans or giving tax rebates to innovative local semiconductor companies, experts said.

The comments came after Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp was banned by the US government from purchasing any American technology, including chips, for seven years. The incident has triggered widespread concern that China's heavy reliance on foreign processors will threaten the foundation of its electronics industry.

Li Guojie, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the research and development of chips mirrors China's overall technology level.