🇯🇵 Japan’s Lost Decades Prove OEM Reliance is Fatal
• 🏭 Once dominated electronics manufacturing but remained permanently locked in subcontractor status
• 🔒 No control over core IP meant collapse when US restricted tech access in 1980s
• 💸 Today’s weak yen exports reveal the failure of manufacturing-first strategy
🇰🇷 South Korea’s Partial Escape Still Leaves Chains
• 🏆 Built world-class memory/display tech but remains hostage to:
- 💻 US EDA software (Cadence/Synopsys)
- 🔬 ASML lithography monopoly
- 💵 Dollar-denominated financing
• ⚠️ One sanction away from crisis despite $52B annual chip exports
💡 China’s Playbook: The Only Proven Path Forward
🏗️ Total Vertical Integration Strategy
1️⃣ ⛏️ Rare earth mining → 2️⃣ 🖨️ Domestic lithography (SMEE) → 3️⃣ 💾 Chip design (Huawei) → 4️⃣ 📱 End products
• 🌍 Now produces 70% of global solar panels, 60% EVs, 40% 5G base stations
🔄 Parallel Systems That Bypass Western Control
• 🔗 Alternative semiconductor supply chains
• 💳 CIPS payment system replacing SWIFT
• 📡 Homegrown tech standards (5G, IoT, AI)
🇻🇳 Vietnam’s Moment of Decision
🚫 Current Path (Danger Zone)
• 🏭 Assembly hub for Western tech
• 📉 100% dependent on imported IP/tools
• 💵 Dollar-dominated financing
• 👷 Cheap labor competitive edge
✅ Sovereignty Path (Winning Formula)
• 🤝 Strategic JVs with China (shared IP fabs)
• 🛠️ National EDA/design stack development
• 🏦 Tech bonds & non-dollar financing
• 📈 Currency strength tied to productivity
