Chinese Strategic Posture: the Case of Semiconductor

Abstract

The study investigates the influence of politics over technology to then deepen the relevance of semiconductors as part of the defence realm in the case of China. To this end, the importance of technology in warfare and the entailed trade-offs are illustrated along with the efforts to regulate the export flow. The theoretical framework focuses on finding local validity rather than a universal one, bridging politics and technology via the time factor. Hence, semiconductors are included in the Chinese defence sector showing the relevance given them by Beijing's plans for military modernisation. An overview of the supply chain allows for a better understanding of the implications stemming from its global structure, underscoring the autarky-efficiency challenges any state needs to address. Consequently, China embodies a favourable case study because of its domestic power structure, modernisation ambitions, and imposed export controls directing its choices. A thorough analysis of policies and procurement means is employed to confirm the securitisation of the technology, gauging domestic prospects, international responses, and hindrances. Finally, two scenarios structure the main drivers into plausible outlooks, sketching development in the short term and suggesting further research avenues.