Artificial Intelligence
Tech war: China claims AI chip progress as Loongson unveils CPUs amid self-sufficiency push
Chinese semiconductor developer Loongson Technology has released its next-generation of chips as part of a strategy to “enter new era of AI processors”, according to company statements.
The new processors, designated 2K3000 and 3B6000M, share identical silicon but differ in packaging; one for industrial control applications and the other for mobile devices. Both integrate eight Loongson’s central processing unit (CPU) cores, which are based on its LoongArch instruction set architecture.
For graphics performance, the chips are embedded with the company’s self-developed, general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU). Loongson claims this GPU delivers a “multiple-fold improvement” over its predecessor, providing enhanced general-purpose computing and AI acceleration capabilities.
“Building upon our established foundation in general-purpose and graphics processors, Loongson has entered a new era of intensive AI processor development,” the company said. “This represents a new leap toward establishing a self-sufficient information technology ecosystem.”
Software ecosystems to support the new chip are currently being finalised. Dozens of manufacturers specialising in industrial control systems and information technology solutions have already started integrating the processors into their product designs.
In February, Loongson said that it was developing the 3B6600, an eight-core desktop CPU capable of matching Intel’s mid-to-high-end Core 12 to 13 generation processors.
Originally established in 2001 as a research team under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the country’s top scientific research institution, Loongson was spun off in 2010 to commercialise its chip development research. In 2022, it became the first CPU-focused company listed on Shanghai’s STAR Market.
As a flagship player in China’s effort to reduce reliance on Western technology, Loongson focuses on the CPU market, which has long been dominated by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices. In March 2023, Loongson was added to Washington’s trade blacklist.
Operating under a fabless model, Loongson develops processors and relevant software and hardware solutions, and subcontracts the manufacturing out to foundries. Its product portfolio spans desktop and server processors, as well as chips for industrial control, terminals, and embedded systems. Its chips are widely used by Chinese government departments and by users in the industrial control and cybersecurity sectors.
In 2024, Loongson reported revenue of 506.89 million yuan (US$69.7 million), a year-on-year increase of 0.24 per cent, with net losses widening to 623.76 million yuan.
Its stock closed at 129.75 yuan on Thursday, up 2.98 per cent, valuing the company at 52.03 billion yuan.
Source: Tech war: China claims AI chip progress as Loongson unveils CPUs amid self-sufficiency push
