Story perspectives

China's AI Chipmakers Choose GPU or ASIC Amid U.S. Controls

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s AI chipmakers are creating a self-reliant silicon ecosystem amid ongoing U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors.
The sector is debating whether to base the ecosystem on versatile graphics processing units (GPUs) or on specialised application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
The push aims to run DeepSeek and Alibaba Group Holding AI models without Nvidia designs, with Huawei Technologies, Cambricon Technologies and Moore Threads leading the effort.

1 of 1

Story summary

China’s AI chipmakers are creating a self-reliant silicon ecosystem amid ongoing U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors.
The sector is debating whether to base the ecosystem on versatile graphics processing units (GPUs) or on specialised application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
The push aims to run DeepSeek and Alibaba Group Holding AI models without Nvidia designs, with Huawei Technologies, Cambricon Technologies and Moore Threads leading the effort.