China has announced the creation of its first “all-frequency” 6G chip, marking what researchers describe as a major breakthrough in the race for next-generation telecommunications technology.
According to a report published Friday by the South China Morning Post, the chip was developed by a team from Peking University and City University of Hong Kong. The innovation enables the chip to function across the entire wireless spectrum, unlike existing systems such as 5G, which depend on designated frequency bands. This integration of multiple bands into a single, compact design could eliminate the need for several specialized radio systems, allowing for more seamless connectivity.
Researchers say the new chip has the potential to bridge gaps in coverage between urban and rural areas, which often operate on different frequencies, and could serve as a foundation for future global 6G infrastructure.
The development comes despite ongoing U.S. efforts to curb the expansion of China’s technology sector. In May, the Trump administration imposed new export restrictions requiring licenses for shipping Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software to Chinese customers—a move widely regarded as critical for any potential 6G advancements.
Beijing has responded by stockpiling key equipment and ramping up investment in its domestic chip industry to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The unveiling of this chip underscores China's determination to advance independently amid an increasingly restrictive global trade environment.
The breakthrough also follows broader technological advances from China. Earlier this year, Beijing unveiled its new artificial intelligence platform, Deepseek, developed by a Chinese startup. Deepseek was created at a fraction of the cost of its U.S. counterparts, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and has been described by some analysts as a significant achievement in what is being called the emerging “AI arms race.”
As global competition intensifies over both AI and telecommunications infrastructure, the unveiling of this 6G chip signals China’s intention to lead in setting the standards and capabilities for the next era of wireless technology.