Two things why this is different. China controls bismuth. So this is a strategic resource they control and puts them squarely outside of current western restrictions on silicon. They are also currently tooling to get their 3nm forges for silicon off the ground. So they are already undertaking the expense. A bonus third thing: China will develop this if they think it is in their long-term best interest in spite of the cost. It’s a cost for them to spend now. If it truly gives them an edge here, then it will be even more painful when the west has to do all that retooling to catch up. Patience is a weapon.
Just to be clear: “China wouldn’t dare because it’s too costly” is a way the west has consistently underestimated them for 40 years now. This is not something a planned economy worries as much about. They can think more long term. For the capitalist, if you can’t profit today, there is no tomorrow.
Two things why this is different. China controls bismuth. So this is a strategic resource they control and puts them squarely outside of current western restrictions on silicon. They are also currently tooling to get their 3nm forges for silicon off the ground. So they are already undertaking the expense. A bonus third thing: China will develop this if they think it is in their long-term best interest in spite of the cost. It’s a cost for them to spend now. If it truly gives them an edge here, then it will be even more painful when the west has to do all that retooling to catch up. Patience is a weapon.
Just to be clear: “China wouldn’t dare because it’s too costly” is a way the west has consistently underestimated them for 40 years now. This is not something a planned economy worries as much about. They can think more long term. For the capitalist, if you can’t profit today, there is no tomorrow.