Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today (April 20) that "Yin Zhiyao, the founder of China's leading semiconductor equipment company, AtonMicro, has renounced his American nationality to become the latest member of the 'returnee tide' of Chinese scientists."
The 2024 annual financial report released by AtonMicro, headquartered in Shanghai, on Friday (April 18) showed that the chairman and CEO Yin Zhiyao has regained Chinese nationality.
According to the information disclosed in the financial report, Yin Zhiyao, aged 81 this year, is a Chinese national with a bachelor's degree from the University of Science and Technology of China and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Commentary: There are probably three reasons for this move: first, Yin Zhiyao was born into a scholarly family in Beijing, and his family has a tradition of "repaying the country after academic success." This family spirit has made him have a relatively deep sense of patriotism. Second, to avoid policy risks: On October 7, 2022, the United States introduced export control measures against China, and the "American" clause stipulates that Americans (including citizens and green card holders) are not allowed to support the development or production of semiconductor manufacturing facilities within China without permission. If they participate in the research and development or production of advanced processes below 14nm in China, they may face civil or even criminal penalties. Third, he returned to China in 2004 to found AtonMicro and led his team to overcome numerous technical challenges, achieving a breakthrough in etching technology. Renouncing his American nationality allows him to fully dedicate himself to the development of China's semiconductor industry and contribute to the realization of self-reliance and controllability of China's chip technology.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829880783050892/
Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views.