Rebirth 99 to become a car giant.

Chapter 763 Antitrust Investigation, New Countermeasures
The official announcement of the successful development of ArF photoresist has a much greater impact than Cao Yang imagined.

Before this, everyone was relatively pessimistic about the future of Nanshan Semiconductor, feeling that they were doomed this time.

Even if you are immortal, you still have to shed your skin.

Unexpectedly, significant progress was made so quickly.

Although many people still don’t know what ArF photoresist is, through the popularization of various posts on the Internet, everyone basically knows that Nanshan Semiconductor is an important step in breaking the photoresist blockade this time.

The next step to make further breakthroughs in other types of photoresists is just around the corner.

Even then, not only semiconductor photoresists can be produced, but photoresists used in other fields can also be produced.

Although Nanshan Chemical is not a large company, it is fully capable of turning itself into a chemical company with huge influence in China.

"Mr. Cao, congratulations, you actually got the ArF photoresist."

If an unknown company announces that it has successfully developed ArF photoresist, it is estimated that many people will raise various questions.

Sun Xieyi is not young anymore and thinks more comprehensively.

It can only be said that Nanshan Semiconductor is too strong, and it seems that other companies are not as good.

With such a large market, let alone supporting companies like Nanshan Semiconductor and BYD Semiconductor, there is no problem at all even if it can support a dozen very large semiconductor companies and thousands of related small and medium-sized enterprises.

If Nanshan Semiconductor cannot supply chips, BYD's foundry business will naturally come to a halt.

As the head of the sales department of Nanda Optoelectronics, Huang Luping has always had a good vision.

In later generations, China's largest chip import volume reached more than 3 billion U.S. dollars, which is almost a big market of trillion yuan.

"Currently, only the laboratory status verification has been completed, and it will take at least a month before mass production."

Although the scale of BYD Semiconductor is far smaller than that of Nanshan Semiconductor, it can still easily enter the TOP10 position in China.

"In the next twenty years, the semiconductor industry will be a sunrise industry. In the future, more and more products can be integrated with the Internet and intelligence."

After Nanshan Chemical announced yesterday that it has mastered ArF photoresist technology, BYD's stock immediately rose by 5.1% and will soon return to its original price.

Almost all of Honor Technology's various mobile phones, PADs and other products are OEMed by BYD.

Considering that there were already many semiconductor companies in China at that time, the market size of the semiconductor industry must have exceeded 4 trillion.

"Relevant departments have just set up a large fund to support the semiconductor industry and the development of photoresist, and you have come up with a core product so powerfully."

Even during this period, BYD's stock price fell by almost 10 points.

Photoresist is very popular during this period, and the policies issued by relevant departments also encourage everyone to study photoresist.

"You know, Nanshan Chemical and Nanshan Semiconductor are brother companies, and their relationship is definitely much closer than ours and Nanshan Semiconductor."

As long as it is done well, it can definitely provide China with a very large development space.

After all, Nanshan Energy Group already has the world's number one carbon fiber company and the world's leading Nanshan Special Steel. It doesn't seem very strange to have another Nanshan Chemical that has reached the world's mainstream level.

"When they run out of tricks, that's when our semiconductor industry will rise completely."

“And to do this, we must use various semiconductor components such as chips.”

"Mr. Sun, our company is a domestic enterprise with independent intellectual property rights and has realized the industrial production of MO sources. It has fully reached the international advanced level in terms of synthesis and preparation, purification technology, analysis and testing, and packaging containers of MO sources."

This is also a huge blow to BYD.

"We mainly produced MO sources before, and Nanshan Semiconductor is also one of our main customers."

"By then, China's domestic semiconductor market alone will be a super market with a value of several trillions, which will be enough to support a large number of semiconductor-related companies."

"Mr. Sun, I think the company can consider entering photoresist as the next step to provide qualified products for the semiconductor industry and micro devices such as optical devices, flat panel displays, and micro-electromechanical systems."

For example, raw materials in the semiconductor industry, components of equipment, and related chip design and other work.

However, Nanshan Chemical, a subsidiary of Nanshan Energy Group, said that it had developed ArF photoresist, and many people chose to believe it.

Nanda Optoelectronics, which just went public this year, is one of them.

"I estimate that more and more companies will be interested in semiconductor-related industries in the next step."

"If we produce photoresist, wouldn't we form a competitive relationship with Nanshan Chemical?"

This kind of behavior of competing for the market with customers often comes at a heavy cost.

It can be said that now is the best era to develop photoresist.

BYD is also a manufacturer closely related to this matter.

"But in any case, we can make up for the gap before ArF photoresist is out of stock."

At that time, not only can you apply for relevant large fund subsidies, but you can also consider using this product to apply for tax incentives from relevant departments.

"BYD's investment in the semiconductor industry will never change."

Wang Fu and Cao Yang chatted for a while before hanging up the phone.

"We have solved the photoresist this time. In the future, if the United States and Japan want to restrict us in the semiconductor industry, there will be one less method they can use."

He couldn't make up his mind.

And just like Wang Fu said, there must be many companies that see the unlimited opportunities in the semiconductor industry.

"This is crucial to boosting everyone's confidence in the semiconductor industry."

"The main products are trimethylgallium, trimethylindium, triethylgallium, trimethylaluminum, etc. The purity of the products is greater than or equal to 6N, and a full range of MO source products can be supplied."

"So I think Nanshan Semiconductor will definitely not purchase MO sources from us just because we are studying photoresist."

Huang Luping mentioned the entry into photoresist to Sun Xiushi today, and he obviously gave some thought to it.

So he definitely wouldn't be given up by Sun Xishi's simple words.

"As for the competitive relationship with Nanshan Chemical, I think this issue can be viewed objectively."

"First of all, there is definitely a big gap between our technology in the field of photoresist and Nanshan Chemical. It is impossible to surpass them in a short time."

"This means that we will mainly work in the field of mid-range photoresists in the future, while Nanshan Chemical focuses on high-end photoresists and does not have much competition with us."

"It is even possible for Nanshan Semiconductor to purchase some mid-range photoresists from our company in the future."

"Furthermore, although Nanshan Chemical and Nanshan Semiconductor are brother companies, they are now affiliated to Nanshan Energy Group and Honor Technology Group respectively. I don't think Nanshan Chemical will go to Nanshan Semiconductor to block us just because we enter the photoresist market. , This is not in line with Mr. Cao’s style of doing things.”

"Finally, I feel that now that the company has been listed, it is necessary to develop several new products to make investors more confident in our future."

"Some of the funds were raised from the listing some time ago, and there needs to be a project that can be used reasonably."

After hearing what Huang Luping said, Sun Shishio quickly agreed to enter the photoresist market.

Originally, the MO source produced by Nanda Optoelectronics was one of the raw materials for the semiconductor industry. Now that the types of raw materials have been expanded, the cross-border crossover is not particularly powerful.

Sometimes, some brand-new materials are created by people from across the field.

……

"Christopher, Nanshan Semiconductor seems to be breaking through our blockade in the field of photoresist. Do you have any good suggestions?"

While China was excited about Nanshan Chemical's continuous breakthroughs in the photoresist field, Intel CEO Otellini was in the conference room discussing countermeasures with visiting ASML president Christopher.

"The chip industry chain is so long, I don't believe that Nanshan Semiconductor can really realize 100% localization of the entire industry chain."

"If you search carefully, you will definitely be able to find a better entry point."

"But this time, we must plan well before taking action, so that the other party will not be able to counterattack."

Christopher said reluctantly.

He really didn't expect that the photoresist he carefully selected could not completely block the development of Nanshan Semiconductor.

Although Nanshan Chemical still has a kind of EUV photoresist that has not been broken, but already has experience with so many kinds of photoresists, Christopher has little confidence in whether EUV photoresists can stump the opponent.

Otherwise, he would not have flown to the United States specifically to discuss countermeasures with Intel and other companies.

"Once Nanshan Semiconductor takes the lead in putting 14nm process chips into mass production, it will have a huge impact on the entire semiconductor industry."

"Our high-tech industry, which has always occupied the commanding heights, will quickly collapse."

"So it is very necessary to continue to look for entry points to block Nanshan Semiconductor."

Otellini now feels an unprecedented crisis.

In the past, in the field of computer CPUs, Intel's main competitor was AMD. Even if he occasionally fell one step behind, he was not too worried.

After all, some of the shareholders behind everyone are actually the same.

But if Chinese companies take the lead, the situation is completely different.

"Yes, as long as the Chinese enter the industry, we will basically be unable to continue in it soon."

"We have suffered a lot in this regard over the past many years."

“We can’t continue to suffer losses on chips this time.”

What Christopher is most worried about right now is that ASML’s future business will be taken away by Nanshan Equipment.

Once Nanshan Semiconductor becomes bigger and stronger in the chip industry, it will definitely support the development of Nanshan equipment.

By then there will be nothing going on with Asma.

This is something Christopher absolutely cannot accept.

"Have you ever studied the photolithography machines produced by Nanshan Equipment?"

“Weren’t you the only one who could produce EUV lithography machines before, ASML?”

As one of the shareholders of ASML, Intel is also a little dissatisfied with ASML.

Chinese companies have developed more advanced lithography machines, but ASML hasn’t developed one yet?
Once Western companies fall behind China in the chip field, ASML will be the sinner of history.

"Currently, the most advanced generation of photolithography machines produced by Nanshan Equipment has not yet been sold to the outside world, so we are still learning about the specific design plan."

"But normally, they must have infringed on some of our patents to achieve the current results."

Christopher felt that apart from Nanshan Equipment copying ASML, there was no other possibility for Nanshan Equipment to achieve a technological breakthrough in such a short period of time. This is not scientific at all.

However, this kind of thing is just a guess on his part without any evidence.

Otellini also knew that saying these things made no sense in this case.

After Otellini met Christopher, Apple's Kuka also called him.

"DuPont called me. They think it makes no sense to block Chinese companies on photoresist."

"They are preparing to apply for relevant exemption measures from the Ministry of Commerce and continue to sell related photoresists to China's Nanshan Semiconductor."

"Photoresist companies such as JSR in Japan have also made similar noises."

"That's a bad sign."

Kuka has always been a pioneer in promoting sanctions against Nanshan Equipment and Nanshan Semiconductor.

Especially after the sale of Apple mobile phones was banned in China, Kuka hopes that relevant departments and other giants can follow Apple to pursue and intercept affiliated companies of Nanshan Group.

It can be said that Apple wants to survive.

"I guess they all feel that Nanshan Chemical has mastered a lot of photoresist technology and can also produce part of the photoresist."

"If the blockade continues, it will not have many other effects except stimulating Nanshan Chemical to exert all its efforts to develop photoresist."

"KUKA, I think the original choice of photoresist as the starting point did not fully consider the existence of Nanshan Chemical."

"As long as Nanshan Group is involved in industries, it will be very difficult for us to block them."

"We need to avoid such a situation in the future and find a new entry point, so that we can truly stifle the development of Nanshan Semiconductor."

Otellini knows that Kuka hates Nanshan Semiconductor and Honor Technology.

Therefore, even if the relationship between Intel and Apple is not good, it will not affect their in-depth communication.

After all, we all have a common enemy.

"This time we launched such a big battle, but it did not have a very good effect. This is also a damage to our prestige."

"Especially now that photoresist manufacturers are not so consistent with our ideas, which is also detrimental to our future actions."

"It would be disgusting if we find a new entry point in the future but the relevant manufacturers are not so cooperative."

Kuka is in a very depressed mood now.

Photoresist manufacturers such as DuPont and JSR jumped out and proposed to continue selling photoresist to Nanshan Semiconductor, which basically meant that their previous actions fell short.

They haven't officially announced that they have mastered EUV photoresist technology, so you just surrendered?
As for?
"We can't just manipulate a company like DuPont, but for general semiconductor material or equipment suppliers, if we join forces, are we still worried that we can't convince them?"

Otellini's mentality is better than that of Kuka.

Facing pressure from international giants such as Intel, Apple, TI, TSMC, and Samsung at the same time, he does not believe that several companies can stand in their way.

Unless they themselves are also international giants.

"In this situation, do you have any good suggestions?"

Apple's current development situation is polarized.

On the American side, their development speed is definitely very fast.

But it's completely impossible in China.

In other markets such as Europe, they compete with Samsung, Honor, etc., showing a stalemate.

This situation was a little different from what Kuka expected.

"Everyone should investigate the situation carefully first, find out the real weaknesses of Nanshan Semiconductor or Nanshan Equipment, and then formulate specific plans in advance to hit them at once."

"No matter what, we cannot let Nanshan Semiconductor produce 14-nanometer chips next year."

Otellini's attitude is very clear.

Intel is already accelerating the research and development of 14nm chip technology, and it is expected that a breakthrough may be achieved in 2014.

Therefore, as long as Nanshan Semiconductor continues to develop, it will have a chance to regain the world's number one position.

Otherwise, it would be disgusting if Nanshan Semiconductor would advertise everywhere that it is the world's first manufacturer to break through 14nm chip technology and trample on Intel, TSMC and other giants every day.

The point is they're still a little hard to argue with.

"Then we really need to think about it carefully."

"Why don't we have at least one regular meeting every month from now on, and we can discuss together how to deal with Nanshan Semiconductor and Nanshan Equipment?"

Kuka made a rather cruel proposal.

If this direction continues, those giants will really unite to deal with Nanshan Semiconductor and Nanshan Equipment.

This will definitely have a negative impact on the development of Nanshan Semiconductor.

However, before they could take any further action, the relevant departments in China had made further big moves.

Relevant departments officially held a press conference to conduct antitrust investigations into six photoresist manufacturers including JSR, DuPont, Shin-Etsu Chemical, and Tokyo Onka.

In accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Monopoly Law, relevant departments believe that these companies have violated the following three provisions.

(1) If operators reach a monopoly agreement, it will be deemed as monopolistic behavior;

(2) Operators abuse their dominant market position and are deemed to be monopolists;
(3) A concentration of business operators that has or may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition is deemed to be a monopoly.

Whether these companies jointly sell photoresist at high prices in the Chinese market, or whether the United States and Japan abuse their monopoly position to ban sales of Nanshan Semiconductor, these contents have been touched upon.

At the same time, the relevant departments officially announced an antitrust penalty that had been under investigation.

Six international large-scale LCD panel manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Chimei and AUO, were slapped with economic sanctions of RMB 6 million by China for price monopoly.

According to the content announced at the press conference, between 2001 and 2006, the above-mentioned six companies took advantage of their advantageous position to conspire to manipulate the price of LCD panels and implement price monopoly behavior in China. The total number of LCD panels involved in the case was 514.62 million units sold, and the illegal income was 2.08 million. Yuan.

This is the first time China has issued a price fine to an overseas company.

Combined with the just-announced antitrust investigations into photoresist manufacturers such as DuPont and JSR, it is clear that the relevant departments are serious this time.

"Mr. Cao, I have communicated with the relevant departments. If we are unable to develop EUV photoresist and other photoresist products that we cannot currently produce, then the final result of the antitrust investigation will be in favor of These manufacturers should be sentenced to violating the Anti-Monopoly Law and asked to pay fines."

“Ultimately, these fines will subsidize Nanshan Chemical through some policy support.”

"If we successfully develop all major photoresist products in the next few months, then the antitrust investigation by the relevant departments will move in the direction of restricting these companies from selling related products in China."

"In short, relevant departments are fully supporting the development of the domestic semiconductor industry. Whether it is the production of raw materials, equipment, or chips, they are all encouraged by policies."

Lai Yuanhong quickly made inquiries and found out the background of this sudden antitrust investigation.

Obviously, in his view, this is also a special support for Nanshan Chemical and Nanshan Semiconductor from relevant departments.

It’s hard for others to tell what this kind of support isn’t.

After all, antitrust investigations happen almost every day in many places around the world.

A few years ago, the United States launched a large-scale antitrust investigation specifically into the auto parts industry.

Even major companies such as Microsoft have been facing various antitrust accusations for a long time.

Nowadays, people use this method on photoresist manufacturers, and it can be said that there is no problem at all.

The big deal is that after some investigation, they finally prove that they did not violate the Anti-Monopoly Law.

But in this investigation process, there must be many ways to make you uncomfortable.

Let’s see if you dare to specifically target Chinese semiconductor companies in the future.

"I would like to thank the relevant departments for their support. We, Nanshan Chemical and Nanshan Semiconductor, will not let you down."

First, a large fund was established to support the development of the semiconductor industry, and now it is directly playing the anti-monopoly card, aiming to counterattack those photoresist manufacturers.

Combined with the antitrust penalties for LCD panels announced at the press conference, the support from relevant departments this time is not small.

As a private enterprise, Nanshan Semiconductor has set a new historical record by receiving such strong policy support.

The relevant departments are barely standing directly on the side of Nanshan Semiconductor to protect their development.

"Mr. Cao, I estimate that the relevant departments' support for us this time is more than just these few tricks."

"I have been told by the above that there will be many surprises waiting for us at the National Science and Technology Progress Awards in January."

Lai Yuanhong's pressure has been reduced a lot now.

Cao Yang personally led the technical team to research photoresist technology, and has now achieved rapid results.

Some of the remaining tough guys also see the possibility of breakthroughs.

There are still more than two months until Nanshan Semiconductor's photoresist is out of stock.

There are still almost four months until Honor mobile phone chips and products are out of stock.

He feels that within the next four months, Nanshan Chemical can still produce the photoresist that Nanshan Semiconductor is in short supply.

“It would be great to have more awards to support it.”

"It just so happens that the first quarter of next year is the beginning of a new round of academician selection. Our group is going to promote you and several other candidates who have the opportunity to become academicians. Let's see if our group can get a few more academicians from the two academies next year. .”

Regarding photoresist, Cao Yang has never felt too much pressure.

Now that the attention and support from relevant departments are so high, I don't need to worry anymore.

When the time comes, we will wait to deal with those photoresist giants so that they will no longer be able to sit comfortably and make money in the future.

By then, the production capacity of China's semiconductor industry will be the first in the world, and the related demand for photoresist will also be the first in the world.

Losing the Chinese market will definitely cause them pain for a long time.

Of course, it will take some time for them to fully feel the pain.

(End of this chapter)