China has taken a monumental step towards bolstering its semiconductor industry, successfully raising a staggering Rmb344bn ($47bn) through its largest funding round to date. This colossal investment aims to fortify President Xi Jinping’s ambition for technological self-sufficiency amidst increasing restrictions from the United States.

Largest Financial Commitment to Date

The newly acquired funds, amassed under the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase III, represent the most significant financial commitment yet towards conquering the technological “chokepoints” that hinder China’s chip industry. The fund, widely referred to as the "Big Fund," is bolstered by the financial might of the finance ministry, local governments, state-owned enterprises, and, for the first time, state-owned banks.

Global Semiconductor Competition

This financial push arrives as global tech powers intensify efforts to secure their semiconductor supply chains. The US has already injected billions into domestic chip manufacturing to counter potential shortages and maintain technological dominance. Similarly, Europe is ramping up its semiconductor capabilities to mitigate reliance on external sources.

Focus Shift in Funding

The Big Fund’s previous rounds, which raised Rmb139bn in 2014 and Rmb200bn in 2019, played crucial roles in accelerating China's semiconductor industry. This third and largest round is set to prioritize funding for Chinese equipment manufacturers for chip factories, shifting the focus from merely semiconductor production to building a robust manufacturing infrastructure.

Stock Market Reactions

The announcement of this funding has had an immediate positive impact on China's semiconductor sector. Stocks of leading chipmakers soared, with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) experiencing a 7% rise in Hong Kong trading. Hua Hong Semiconductor and Naura Technology also saw significant gains, reflecting market optimism about the sector's growth prospects.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

Initially, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), spearheading the initiative, encountered challenges in securing commitments from local governments and state-owned enterprises, which were struggling due to economic slowdowns. However, this hurdle was overcome by enlisting China's six largest state-owned banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, as shareholders. These financial giants now collectively hold a 33.1% stake in the fund, contributing Rmb114bn to the total raised.

Diverse Shareholder Base

The fund’s shareholder base is diverse, with the finance ministry being the largest contributor with approximately Rmb60bn, translating to a 17.4% stake. China Development Bank Capital, linked to the nation’s top policy bank, holds the second-largest share at 10.5%. Other significant investors include major state-owned entities like China National Tobacco Corporation and China Telecom.

Leadership and Anti-Corruption Measures

The Big Fund’s leadership recently saw a transition, with Zhang Xin, a former senior inspector in the MIIT’s planning department, taking the helm. This change followed a rigorous anti-corruption probe that led to the ousting of the previous head, Ding Wenwu, and over ten other executives involved with the fund.

Strategic Implications

China’s aggressive investment in its semiconductor industry underscores the nation’s strategic intent to reduce dependency on foreign technology and bolster its position in the global tech landscape. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the technology race, China’s Big Fund initiative marks a pivotal move in the global semiconductor arms race.