The U.S. has "out-innovated" China in the race to enhance domestic technology production, according to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who proudly highlighted the advancements made by American business on semiconductor manufacturing Sunday.
President Biden's domestic strategy has placed a high premium on semiconductor manufacturing, with Raimondo leading the way. Throughout his reelection campaign, Biden frequently cited the CHIPS Act—which brought billions to domestic semiconductor manufacturing—as an accomplishment for both the economy and national security.
In 2024, national security entails more than simply missiles and tanks—it also involves technology. Semiconductors are involved. It's artificial intelligence. Drones are the cause. In an interview with Lesley Stahl on CBS "60 Minutes" on Sunday, Raimondo stated, "And the Commerce Department is at the red-hot center of technology."
She pointed out that the government has taken steps to bring semiconductor production here and cautioned that depending too much on China might jeopardize vital American businesses.
"We wish to trade the great bulk of products and services with China. However, she responded, "No, on those technologies that impact our national security." They also examine surveillance systems and nuclear weapons. And we are aware that they want to use our cutting-edge technology and our chips to strengthen their armed forces.
Raimondo boasted that industrial giant Huawei's top-notch chips, which are now made in China, are far behind their superior American equivalents.
Regarding the Chinese case, she remarked, "What it tells me is that export controls are working because that chip is not nearly as good." "It lags far behind what the United States has by years." Our semiconductors are the most advanced in the world. China doesn't either," she went on. China has been out-innovated by the US.
Taiwan produces most of the semiconductors, however Chinese invasion remains a persistent danger. “Vulnerable” is how Raimondo described the U.S. in this position.
Tens of billions of dollars will be invested in new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Texas, New York, and other states, according to the Biden administration. By 2030, Raimondo estimated that the investments may create up to 500,000 new employment.
"In search of cheaper labor and cheaper capital in Asia, we allowed manufacturing in this country to wither on the vine, and here we are," the speaker stated. "We just put financial gain ahead of national security."