虽然芯片制造商长期以来一直抱怨中国在知识产权保护方面的政策和态度不严，但许多人仍然对美国和中国之间全面贸易战将导致的不明确后果保持警惕。在一个为期30天公众评论期结束前，新关税计划都不会生效，漫长的等待时间导致人们猜测新关税政策最终将被说客和当选代表淡化……Although chip manufacturers have long complained about China’s lax policies and attitudes regarding intellectual property protection, many people remain vigilant about the unclear consequences of a full-scale trade war between the United States and China. Until the end of a 30-day public comment period, the new tariff plan will not take effect. The long waiting time has led to speculation that the new tariff policy will eventually be played down by lobbyists and elected representatives...
EETimes San Francisco reported that under the banner of "fighting China's unfair trade policies," the Trump administration announced a $60 billion tariff collection plan on Chinese products, and the semiconductor industry has made a series of responses.
Last Thursday (March 22) Trump elaborated on the tax collection and the results of a seven-month investigation into China's technology policies and behavior. This action will include restricting China’s investment in US technology companies and challenging China’s technology licensing practices in the World Trade Organization (WTO). China fought back almost immediately, proposing tariffs on American products including pork, wine, fruit and steel.
Although chip manufacturers have long complained about China’s lax policies and attitudes regarding intellectual property protection, many people remain vigilant about the unclear consequences of a full-scale trade war between the United States and China.
The American Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), a trade organization representing American chip manufacturers, issued a statement last Thursday supporting "protecting American intellectual property rights in ways that avoid costly trade conflicts."
SIA President and CEO John Neuffer said that SIA is still reviewing the government’s findings and recommended actions. "The US semiconductor industry, like the Trump administration, is concerned that US intellectual property rights face the risk of unfair and discriminatory trade practices in China," Neuffer said.
The US government will propose a list of Chinese products within two weeks, and 25% tariffs will be imposed on these products. According to US government regulations, tariff products will include aerospace, IT, communications equipment and machinery. (Related investigation: a conjecture triggered by a "trade war" mind map)
However, there is a 30-day public comment period starting when the US Trade Representative releases the list of target products. The new tariff plan will not take effect until the end of the comment period. The long waiting time has led to speculation that the new tariff policy will eventually be played down by lobbyists and elected representatives.
Trump said that the United States is currently negotiating with China, leading to speculation that the tariff policy and other actions outlined last Thursday are only part of a strategy for negotiating with China.
"So we have talked with China, we are in a very big negotiation, we will see what we need," Trump said in a speech at the White House last Thursday. He added that the proposed action will be carried out "at the same time."
The tax action proposed by Trump is based on the findings of the investigation, which show that China’s policies and practices on technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are unreasonable or discriminatory. The investigation was initiated by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer under Trump's guidance in August last year.
Are American companies facing forced technology transfer when entering China?
Among other findings, the 215-page survey report published by Lighthizer believes that China's policies on joint ventures, foreign investment, administrative review and licensing procedures are designed to force or pressure US companies to realize technology transfer.
"We are facing a severe situation of intellectual property theft, which is also worth hundreds of billions of dollars and is calculated annually," Trump said.
U.S. government officials are increasingly tired of acquiring Western companies by Chinese entities with financial ties to the Chinese central government. Both Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, blocked the acquisition of American companies and assets by Chinese companies. Earlier this month, Trump blocked Broadcom's acquisition of Qualcomm on the grounds that it would weaken the US's position in 5G technology.
The semiconductor industry has always been a specific target of Chinese investment. The Chinese government has formulated a strong plan to support the establishment of a domestic semiconductor industry with an investment fund of more than 160 billion U.S. dollars in 10 years, which is regarded by the United States as a "threat to its leadership in the semiconductor field." In addition to the government's policy of compulsory or pressure on technology transfer, US chip companies have long accused China of virtual intellectual property protection and blatant plagiarism.
In January 2017, shortly before Obama's departure, he published a strongly worded report, stating that China is actively implementing strategies to become a bigger player in the global chip field, putting American semiconductors at risk. The report concluded that China’s policies have distorted the market, undermined innovation, reduced the United States’ share of this market, and put the United States at risk for national security.
In a statement issued by SIA last Thursday, Neuffer said that US chip companies "should be able to compete in foreign markets while ensuring that their key intellectual property rights are not at risk."
