Huawei Obtains Millions of AI Chips from TSMC via Shell Companies, Defying U.S. Sanctions
Summary
Huawei obtains millions of AI chips from TSMC through shell companies, circumventing U.S. sanctions, with 75% of Ascend 910C chips surviving advanced packaging despite defects.
Key Points
- Huawei reportedly acquired two million Ascend 910 AI chiplets from TSMC last year through shell companies
- TSMC manufactured large quantities of Huawei Ascend 910B chips on behalf of Huawei shell companies and shipped the chips to China in violation of U.S. export controls
- Approximately 75% of the Ascend 910C chips currently survive the advanced packaging process due to defects