Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent rumors regarding South Korean equipment manufacturers, specifically Hanmi Semiconductor, halting the supply of critical TCB equipment for China's HBM production, highlighting the geopolitical tensions affecting the semiconductor industry [1][4]. Group 1: HBM Technology and Equipment - HBM chips have gained significant popularity due to their high memory bandwidth and capacity, essential for AI model training and inference [2]. - The TCB equipment plays a crucial role in the production of HBM chips by aligning and welding DRAM chips to substrates with micron-level precision [2][3]. - Hanmi Semiconductor has become a leader in the TCB equipment market, supported by SK Hynix's investment and collaboration since 2017 [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The U.S. has been exerting pressure on South Korea to restrict the supply of semiconductor equipment to China, particularly targeting HBM technology [4][5]. - Chinese companies like Huawei and Biren Technology face procurement restrictions for HBM from South Korean suppliers, impacting their AI chip development [4]. Group 3: Impact and Alternatives - Despite the potential supply disruptions, Chinese companies have been stockpiling HBM equipment, with reports indicating that Hefei Changxin's inventory could last until 2027 [5]. - Other global suppliers, including Japanese and Singaporean companies, can provide similar TCB equipment, offering alternatives to Chinese manufacturers [5]. - Domestic Chinese companies, such as Plascent, are developing their own TCB equipment, indicating a shift towards self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing [5]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The article suggests that advancements in HBM4 technology may favor Chinese manufacturers, as they have already begun exploring mixed bonding techniques necessary for achieving high yields [5]. - Longjiang Storage is highlighted as a key player in this development, having previously adopted complex architectures to avoid patent conflicts, positioning itself ahead of competitors [5].