In recent years, the technology game between China and the United States has intensified, and TikTok, the world's leading short video platform, has recently become the spotlight again. In just a few days, TikTok in the United States has gone from the confirmation of the forced shutdown to cause a large number of user dissatisfaction and helplessness to the on-time shutdown and then to the rapid resumption of service. This is not only about the fate of TikTok, but also a wake-up call for all Chinese companies with international business.
At the intersection of globalization and technological competition, how can Chinese technology companies adapt to international rules and resist external pressures, while achieving their own sustainable development? China Exportsemi will try to use the TikTok incident as a starting point to deeply explore the game logic behind it, and try to provide suggestions for the future strategy of Chinese semiconductor companies.
Background to the TikTok Affair: America's Calculations and the Bottom Line
TikTok's experience in the U.S. is typical. The United States has long viewed TikTok as a potential national security threat and has tried to restrict its operations in the U.S. market through executive orders, legislation, and other means. However, the turning point of the TikTok incident occurred in mid-January 2025. After the platform was forced to shut down for dozens of hours, the Trump administration in the United States quickly approved the resumption of its service. Behind this sharp U-turn lies the Trump administration's complex calculations of economic interests, market demand, and political balance.
1. Compromise of economic interests: With more than 150 million U.S. users, TikTok's market influence should not be underestimated. Once completely banned, the backlash from users and advertisers will have a significant negative impact on the U.S. domestic economy.
2. Tentative tech competition: By pressuring TikTok, the U.S. hopes to explore the feasibility of containing Chinese tech companies and lay the groundwork for possible future targeted actions.
3. Balancing political objectives: In the course of the game, the United States tries to show a tough attitude toward China while avoiding a backlash from international public opinion due to excessive repression.
Figure: From TikTok to Chips: Looking at the globalization challenges and countermeasures of Chinese technology companies
From TikTok to Chip: The Far-reaching Impact of Tech Decoupling
The TikTok incident is just a microcosm of the tech competition between China and the United States, and the semiconductor industry is at the heart of the competition. As the underlying support of the technology system, the chip industry is considered to be the key to determining the country's future scientific and technological strength. In recent years, the United States has launched a "neck" operation against China's semiconductor industry by restricting China's access to advanced chip technology.
1. Supply chain security challenges: At present, China still relies on international supply chains in the field of high-end chip manufacturing. U.S. export controls directly threaten the ability of Chinese companies to acquire critical technology and equipment.
2. Extension of technology sanctions: From the Entity List to the restriction of EDA software, the scope of U.S. sanctions continues to expand, putting multiple pressures on the R&D and production of Chinese semiconductor companies.
3. Reflection on the globalization model: The TikTok incident reflects that globalization is not a one-way market expansion, but a two-way process accompanied by complex political risks. The "going overseas" of Chinese technology companies must re-examine this reality.
How Chinese semiconductor companies should respond
The warning brought by the TikTok incident is not only the impact on the short-term market environment, but also the necessity of long-term strategic adjustment. In the face of a complex international environment, Chinese semiconductor companies should adopt multi-dimensional response strategies to enhance their ability to resist risks.
1. Enhance the ability of independent innovation
- Increase R&D investment: Enterprises should accelerate their efforts in core technology areas to further reduce their dependence on imported technologies.
- Layout of basic research: From materials and equipment to design tools, China needs to make up for the key shortcomings of the semiconductor industry chain.
2. Build a stable supply chain
- Diversify your supply: Partnering with more suppliers around the world reduces the risk of disruption to a single supply chain.
- Localization substitution: Accelerate the localization process in possible areas to ensure the autonomy and control of key components and materials.
3. Optimize the global layout
- Avoid politically sensitive markets: Prioritize regional markets that are more receptive to Chinese technology, such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
- Strengthen local operations: By setting up R&D centers and production bases overseas, we can integrate into the local market environment and reduce potential policy interference.
4. Strengthen cooperation with international counterparts
- Technical cooperation: Seek to establish joint R&D platforms with enterprises from non-U.S. allies to promote technology sharing and collaborative innovation.
- Rule docking: Actively participate in international standards organizations and enhance the right to speak through the formulation of technical rules.
5. Respond to legal and public relations
- Enhance compliance awareness: Ensure full compliance with local regulations in overseas market operations, reducing the likelihood of accusations.
- Strengthen international public relations: Eliminate the international community's distrust of Chinese companies through transparent operations and proactive communication.
The Post-TikTok Era: Global Thinking on Chinese Semiconductors
The TikTok incident once again reminds us of the challenges faced by technology companies in the process of globalization. For Chinese semiconductor companies, although the current international environment is full of uncertainties, it also breeds huge development opportunities. Just as TikTok quickly resumed operations in the turmoil, Chinese semiconductor companies must also have the ability to calmly respond to challenges and flexibly adjust their strategies.
In the future, Chinese semiconductor companies need to continue to make efforts in independent innovation, supply chain stability, global layout and international cooperation to create a more resilient industrial ecosystem. Only in this way can China remain invincible in the international competition in science and technology and inject more possibilities into technological development in the context of globalization.
All in all, from TikTok to chips, this is not only a market game for enterprises, but also a microcosm of global technology competition. If Chinese technology companies want to seize the initiative in the future competition, they must deeply understand the nature of changes in the international landscape, plan the global layout with a strategic vision, and respond to complex challenges with technological strength. This is a road full of tests but hopes, and it is also the only way for Chinese semiconductor companies.
