How did something small enough to fit inside your phone become a source of global power? And why are countries so determined to make their own chips when modern technology depends on international cooperation? Join Emile, director of operations at the Canadian Chamber in Shanghai, for a discussion about semiconductors—the components hidden inside our phones, cars, appliances and countless other technologies. We’ll explore why producing the most advanced chips is so difficult, how a handful of companies and countries became central to the industry, and why governments are investing billions to build capabilities at home.

Together, we’ll follow the international supply chain behind these tiny components and discuss what happens when economic interdependence meets national security. Does relying on another country encourage cooperation—or create a vulnerability? Can countries gain greater independence without making technology more expensive or slowing innovation? No knowledge of engineering, economics or geopolitics is necessary: Emile will introduce the background, and we’ll compare perspectives on the choices facing businesses and governments. Expect an accessible, thoughtful conversation that connects everyday devices to bigger questions about trade, security and who holds power in a technological world.

一个小到能塞进你手机里的东西，怎么就成了全球权力的一个来源？现代科技明明依赖国际合作，为什么各国还这么铁了心要造自己的芯片？跟着 Emile 来聊一场讨论吧。他是上海加拿大商会的运营总监。这次聊半导体——那些藏在我们手机、汽车、家电和无数其他技术里的零件。我们会看看为什么造最先进的芯片这么难，一小批公司和国家是怎么变成这个产业的核心的，以及为什么各国政府都在砸几十亿，想把能力建在自己家里。

我们会一起顺着这些微小零件背后的国际供应链走一遍，也会聊聊当经济上的互相依赖碰上国家安全，会发生什么。依赖另一个国家，是促进了合作——还是制造了一个软肋？各国能不能在不让技术变得更贵、也不拖慢创新的前提下，获得更大的独立性？不需要任何工程、经济或地缘政治知识：Emile 会介绍背景，我们也会比较不同视角，看看企业和政府面对的那些选择。这会是一场好懂又有想法的聊天，把日常设备跟贸易、安全，以及在一个技术世界里谁掌握权力这些更大的问题连起来。