Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the remarkable progress made by American industry in semiconductor manufacturing, asserting that the United States has “outinnovated” China in this critical technological arena.
In an interview with Lesley Stahl on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Raimondo emphasized the importance of semiconductor manufacturing for national security and economic prosperity, positioning it as a pivotal aspect of President Biden’s domestic policy.
Raimondo underscored the risk posed by relying on China for semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in light of its implications for critical American industries.
Gina Raimondo (Credits: Bloomberg.com)
She outlined the administration’s efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor production, citing the CHIPS Act, which injected billions of dollars into the sector, as a key initiative in this regard.
While advocating for continued trade with China on most goods and services, Raimondo stressed the need to safeguard technologies crucial for national security. She highlighted the role of semiconductors in military applications and warned against China’s ambitions to leverage advanced technology for military advancement.
Pointing to the example of Huawei, a major player in the semiconductor industry, Raimondo asserted that American semiconductors outclass their Chinese counterparts. She credited export controls for limiting China’s technological advancement in this area, positioning the United States as the leader in semiconductor innovation.
However, Raimondo also expressed concern over the concentration of semiconductor production in Taiwan, which faces the constant threat of Chinese aggression.
Raimondo (Credits: Bloomberg)
To address this vulnerability, the Biden administration has announced substantial investments in new semiconductor manufacturing plants across various states, aiming to create hundreds of thousands of jobs by 2030.
Reflecting on past policies that prioritized profit over national security, Raimondo emphasized the need to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
She framed semiconductor manufacturing as a cornerstone of American technological leadership and underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s industrial base.
