A major chip manufacturer has been quietly evaluating semiconductor production equipment from a supplier with significant Chinese connections—along with two of its offshore subsidiaries that faced US regulatory restrictions. The testing activity, which took place earlier this year, raises questions about supply chain diversification strategies in an increasingly fragmented global tech landscape. Industry watchers note that chipmaking equipment choices carry long-term implications, especially as geopolitical tensions reshape vendor relationships. The move comes as hardware producers navigate complex compliance requirements while maintaining operational flexibility in their manufacturing processes.