News Analysis A Chinese state-run media disclosed that China’s continued reliance on chip imports could be “fatal” to its automotive industry and national economy. On Nov. 23, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that China’s domestically produced automotive chips are primarily used in less complex vehicle components such as body electronics, while it relies heavily on imports for advanced chips used in complex vehicle features such as electronic stability control, in-vehicle networks, and advanced driver assistance systems. The report said that China’s “heavy reliance on import channels [for advanced chips] could fatally endanger its auto industry and national economy.” In the 2021 China Auto Forum held in June, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) chief engineer Ye Shengji said that China’s self-sufficiency in semiconductors is about 15 percent, of which automotive chips are less than 5 percent. A recent automotive industry report by market research company EMIS showed China’s fully …