• Damo Academy Launches Server-Grade CPU: Alibaba Group's research arm, Damo Academy, has launched its first server-grade CPU, the C930. It is designed for server-level high-performance computing and is part of the XuanTie RISC-V processor series. The chips will start shipping to clients in March and mark Alibaba's effort to enhance China's semiconductor self-sufficiency amid U.S. export controls.
• Semiconductor Development Plans: Damo also announced plans for additional chips under the XuanTie series, including the C908X for AI acceleration, the R908A for automotive applications, and the XL200 for high-speed interconnection.
• Geopolitical Context: These efforts come in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions around advanced chip technology. Reports from think tanks and the U.S. Department of Defense highlight China's increasing investment in RISC-V to bypass U.S. sanctions and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
• U.S. Chipmakers' Actions: U.S. chipmakers like Nvidia are seeking workarounds to supply AI chips to China while complying with export restrictions.
• Alibaba's Investment: After committing to investing 380 billion yuan over the next three years in AI and cloud infrastructure, Alibaba aims to expand its capacity to support AI-driven applications. This investment is expected to lead to the construction of more data centers and wider adoption of AI chips in China.
• Other Companies' Efforts: Other Chinese companies, such as the research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are also advancing their RISC-V chip development. They plan to deliver their RISC-V-based XiangShan CPU this year and have modified it to accommodate DeepSeek-R1.
• Alibaba's Ownership: Alibaba has owned the South China Morning Post since 2016.