HISTORY: They were the subject of patriotic cheers in China.
But Washington says the Chinese chips in Huawei’s latest phones are actually proof that the country’s supply restrictions are working.
The Mate 60 handset debuted last year, powered by an advanced locally manufactured chip.
Last week, the phone maker unveiled new models, said to use an improved version of silicon.
The chips would be manufactured by Chinese company Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.
In Beijing, this was presented as proof of the country’s ability to overcome restrictions on the supply of advanced semiconductors.
Over the weekend, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the opposite was true.
Speaking to CBS, she said Chinese chips were nowhere near as advanced as the latest US models – and therefore proof that supply restrictions are working.
Huawei has been on a Washington blacklist for years.
This follows claims that it could help spy on Americans – accusations the company categorically denies.
Restrictions have also been imposed on Chinese semiconductor manufacturers.
The Biden administration says it continues to evaluate whether Huawei’s new chips violated export rules.