In October 2022, the U.S. imposed stringent export controls aimed at curtailing China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, intensifying the global tech rivalry. This Executive Roundtable will explore the tensions between the U.S. and China within the semiconductor industry, a sector pivotal to global technological supremacy. We will examine China's role in the international semiconductor value chain and discuss whether its structural challenges and dependencies hinder its ambitions in this industry, and the many sectors built on it. And we will consider the role that semiconductors play regarding Taiwan and the potential for a cross-Strait crisis with global effects. 

We will also analyze the impact of export controls and industrial policy measures from the U.S. and other countries: How are these measures shaping the semiconductor industry, influencing global trade, and affecting technological progress? Are geopolitical strategies stifling innovation and  competitiveness? Do they act as a catalyst for technological self-reliance? And we will consider the broader implications of these maneuvers: Is the semiconductor race contributing to de-coupling and global division? 

We invite you to join us in this critical discussion that will unravel the strategic implications of the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry and its profound impact on the global technological and political arenas with John Lee, whose research focuses on advanced technologies and the semiconductor industry in China. Nico Luchsinger, Executive Director at Asia Society Switzerland, will moderate the conversation.

Note: The Executive Roundtable will take place immediately prior to the Oxford Debate: Will Asia's Rise Lead to a New World Order?, where John Lee will be arguing against the motion.

Agenda
16:45 Registration
17:00 Roundtable starts
18:00 Roundtable ends
18:30 Oxford Debate starts
20:00 Apéro

This event is held in collaboration with Swissmem's industry sector "Semiconductor". Swissmem set-up the industry sector "Semiconductor" in order to support Swiss companies being active along the semiconductor value chain, and to promote cooperation, innovation and networking for the future success of the Swiss semiconductor ecosystem.

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John Lee is director of consultancy East West Futures and a researcher at the Leiden Asia Centre. Previously he was a senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies and worked at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Department of Defence. John's work focuses on China’s advanced technology industries, especially semiconductors, telecoms and internet of things technologies, as well as China's cyberspace regulation and engagement with global internet governance. He co-leads the China Semiconductor Observatory project funded by the European Union. John's analysis and research has been published by various international media outlets and academic presses.