Japan is investing 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in Rapidus, a chip startup, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers and enhance semiconductor production. The move comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, emphasizing Japan’s focus on securing its chip supply chain
Japan is preparing to provide 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in additional aid to the semiconductor startup Rapidus, underlining Tokyo's determination to bolster its chip supply amidst escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. This funding increases Japan's total commitment to the project to 1.72 trillion yen, including another proposed 100 billion yen. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry is also seeking debt guarantees to encourage private sector investment in the startup.
Most of the world's advanced logic chips, essential for artificial intelligence, are currently manufactured by Taiwan’s TSMC. This has sparked concerns over global reliance on Taiwan, especially as China claims the island as its own, further intensifying Japan's push to secure its semiconductor supply.
Rapidus, which has backing from major companies like Toyota, Sony, and SoftBank, is set to begin operating a test production line in April, with its first batch of wafers expected by the summer. The company is aiming to begin mass production of next-generation chips by 2027.
In recent years, Japan has committed approximately 5.4 trillion yen to regain its leadership in chip technology. While the country maintains a strong position in silicon wafer production and some chip materials, it has lost ground in the more profitable sectors of chip design and manufacturing, traditionally dominated by the U.S. and Taiwan.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged additional public support for Japan's chip and AI sectors, with a bill for loan guarantees and government bond issuance linked to the Energy Special Account expected to be introduced in parliament. Japan's government is set to approve 333 billion yen in the upcoming fiscal year to further strengthen these industries.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a major road accident involving six vehicles in Marikina City, part of the Philippine capital region, late Wednesday night.
The EU’s border agency is pushing for disciplinary action against Greece over ongoing migrant pushbacks, citing repeated human rights abuses and calling for potential infringement proceedings by the European Commission.
Italy’s government is facing internal doubts over whether its plan to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2 percent of GDP will satisfy NATO and the European Commission, despite publicly maintaining confidence in its budget strategy.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
China launched its Shenzhou-20 mission on Thursday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The successful liftoff marks its 15th crewed flight as Pakistan eyes sending the first foreign astronaut on a future mission.
President Donald Trump called on Vladimir Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv, urging a return to peace talks amid rising casualties.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
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