China Prepares National Policy to Promote Open-Source RISC-V Chips

The initiative aims to reduce reliance on Western semiconductor technologies and foster domestic innovation in AI and high-performance computing.

China is set to release its first national policy supporting RISC-V chip adoption, with guidance drafted by eight government agencies.
RISC-V's open-source nature allows for cost-effective development without reliance on Western licensing, aligning with China's push for technological independence.
Major Chinese companies like Alibaba's XuanTie and Nuclei System Technology have already invested heavily in RISC-V development for AI and server applications.
The policy could accelerate the creation of a domestic RISC-V ecosystem, though challenges remain in developing competitive software and hardware ecosystems.
U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns over China's use of RISC-V, fearing it could bolster China's semiconductor capabilities and heighten tech tensions.