Maintaining The Ai Chip Competitive Advantage

Summary

This CNAS report examines how the United States can maintain its competitive edge in AI semiconductor technology relative to adversaries, particularly China. It analyzes export controls, supply chain vulnerabilities, and policy recommendations for preserving American leadership in advanced AI chips critical to both commercial and national security applications.

Key Points

• •Argues that U.S. leadership in advanced AI chips is a critical strategic asset with significant national security implications
• •Examines export control policies and their effectiveness in restricting adversary access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology
• •Identifies supply chain dependencies and vulnerabilities that could undermine U.S. competitive advantage in AI hardware
• •Recommends policy interventions including investment in domestic chip manufacturing and strengthening allied coordination on export controls
• •Frames AI chip competition as a key dimension of broader U.S.-China technological and geopolitical rivalry