China Develops Gallium-Based Chips for 6G Communications

China is the world’s largest holder and exporter of gallium and currently imposes strict end‑use‑based export controls on the rare metal and its oxides.

The report, published last Thursday by the Science and Technology Daily, said the chips were “destined for commercial smart terminals, where they will build an integrated space-air-ground information network”. It did not specify the type of terminal.

“It will function as the fundamental backbone supporting next‑generation 6G communications, commercial space programmes, the low‑altitude economy, and emergency response communications,” the report said.

Cui Kai, a communications industry analyst with IDC, a global market intelligence firm, said the chips could be used in high‑end smartphones or mobile law enforcement devices for satellite signal filling, supplementing coverage where cellular signals were lacking.