A first-hand account of China's strategic advancements and ambitions in the RISC-V ecosystem.
Aug. 05, 2025 –
As a participant at the recent RISC-V Summit in Shanghai, I witnessed firsthand the sheer scale and unwavering resolve with which China is strategically investing in and developing its domestic RISC-V ecosystem.
It was an immersive experience that underscored the nation’s profound commitment to technological independence, driven by both aspiration and geopolitical necessity. While the sheer volume of Chinese presentations made following every detail challenging, the overarching narrative was unmistakably clear: China is not just participating in the RISC-V evolution; it is striving to be a key player in its revolution.
What struck me immediately was the unmistakable depth of government support, both at the local and national levels.
The Shanghai City Council, for instance, is investing substantial resources in RISC-V initiatives, a commitment that is evident in the ambitious projects announced.
During the summit, Shi Huikang, Deputy Director of the Department of Electronic Information Industry (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology), articulated a vision where RISC-V isn’t merely an alternative, but a “pivotal technology” for China, crucial for unlocking new opportunities and asserting a greater global impact.
Indeed, the claim that China accounts for 50% of global RISC-V “shipments” speaks volumes about its current footprint.
This is backed by a substantial economic commitment across all governmental tiers and is also accompanied by the execution of a long-term, sustainable technology plan, which is visibly accelerating their development process...