TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Author of “Chip War” Chris Miller said Friday that Huawei's latest smartphone chip, produced by China's largest chipmaker SMIC, is approximately five to six years behind TSMC.

The chip uses a process first introduced by TSMC in 2018, Miller found after disassembling Huawei's latest phone. He noted it delivers only about a third of TSMC's computing power, per CNA.

He told Foreign Policy that while a five-year gap might not seem significant, based on Moore's Law, chip computing power doubles roughly every two years. This means a six-year lag represents being three generations behind cutting-edge technology.

Miller emphasized that this situation underscores China's desire to avoid falling further behind. As such it highlights the strategic importance of Taiwan.

Moore's Law, introduced by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, states that advancements in process technology allow the density of transistors on a chip to double every 18 to 24 months. The principle serves as a benchmark for progress in semiconductor manufacturing.

On Dec. 2, the US announced its third wave of restrictions on China's semiconductor industry in three years. In response 100 Chinese companies, including chip equipment manufacturer Naura Technology, were added to its export blacklist.

With fewer than 40 days before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office for a second term, analysts expect him to maintain many of the strict measures imposed by President Joe Biden on China. Limiting China’s access to advanced chips depends on US cooperation with allies like the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

If Trump weakens these alliances, it could impact the restrictions, Miller said. He believes Trump will maintain the controls with US influence and negotiation.