It is rumored that the South Korean side declined the request of the US "chip Quartet" to reply within a limited time

The U.S. had previously issued an “ultimatum” to the South Korean government to reply to the invitation of the “Chip 4” by the end of August. South Korean officials revealed that the country would not accept the so-called time limit set by the U.S. side.

The official told the media that the supply chain affects the whole body, and the South Korean side will discuss and formulate the best plan for the purpose of stabilizing the supply chain, comprehensively consider the advantages and disadvantages of the overseas development and existing investment of South Korean enterprises, and make a suitable plan. self-interest decisions.

The official also revealed that even if the South Korean side decides that it needs to join the alliance, it will independently formulate relevant cooperation matters according to its interests, and it will be difficult for the South Korean side to accept joining a coordination mechanism that excludes specific countries.

In response to concerns about the impact of the incident on China-South Korea economic and trade cooperation, the official revealed that South Korea has so far prioritized coordination with China, and will continue to strengthen cooperation on ensuring smooth supply chains in the future.

Earlier, another South Korean government official also commented on the media that the concept of the semiconductor alliance is very crude, and the US has not clarified its nature to South Korea, and South Korea is unwilling to accept the so-called two-choice condition.

The "Chip Quartet Alliance" initiative was proposed by the United States, trying to build a strategic alliance of participants from chip design, production to supply, and restrict participants' capital and technology output to specific countries. South Korean companies are worried that this will bring huge losses. Last year, South Korean Semiconductor Exports totaled US$128 billion, of which 60% were exported to Mainland China and Hong Kong.

At present, the United States has exerted greater pressure on the South Korean side. In addition to the Quartet Alliance's response to the request within a limited time, it is said that US President Biden will also hold a video meeting with SK Group Chairman Cui Taiyuan this week. The two sides will discuss SK Group's investment in the United States. Plans and other consultations do not rule out Biden taking the opportunity to put pressure on SK.