Core Viewpoint - China's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductors are beginning to yield results, raising concerns for South Korean memory chip manufacturers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as Chinese IT companies ramp up internal development and production [2]. Group 1: China's Semiconductor Strategy - Chinese IT giants are accelerating the research and mass production of domestically developed AI chips, seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on foreign technology [2]. - In 2023, Beijing has invested over $8.4 billion to promote AI and semiconductor localization [2]. - Morgan Stanley predicts that China aims to double its domestic AI chip production by 2026 and increase the self-sufficiency rate of AI chips to 82% by 2027 [2]. - Local governments in China have committed to raising the share of domestic AI chips in data centers to 70% or higher by 2027 [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Changxin Storage, a leading DRAM supplier in China, is preparing to mass-produce the fourth generation of high-bandwidth memory (HBM3) chips next year, with analysts noting that the technology gap is closing faster than expected [3]. - Huawei has entered the semiconductor field with AI solid-state drives designed for high-performance data centers, traditionally dominated by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology [3]. - Experts warn that if the current trend continues, the leading position of South Korean memory chip manufacturers may be weakened [3]. Group 3: Future Opportunities - NH Investment & Securities analyst Ryu Young-ho suggests that the emergence of more AI chip manufacturers could broaden the supply base and reduce dependence on a few dominant companies, potentially creating new growth opportunities for South Korean memory chip suppliers, provided they maintain their next-generation memory performance advantage [4].