Beijing, April 18, 2025 – In a significant move, Yin Zhiyao, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Shanghai's Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC), has renounced his U.S. citizenship and regained his Chinese nationality. The decision, disclosed in AMEC's annual report on Friday, comes at a time of escalating technological tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

Yin, a veteran of the semiconductor industry, previously worked at major American firms such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, and Intel. His U.S. citizenship had been listed in AMEC's annual reports from 2020 to 2022. However, his nationality was not disclosed in the company's 2023 report, leading to speculation about his changing status.

The timing of Yin's nationality change aligns with the growing divide in the semiconductor supply chains of the world's two largest economies. Since October 2022, the U.S. has imposed strict export controls on chip technologies, particularly targeting China's advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. These measures, including bans on U.S. citizens from participating in certain research and development activities for Chinese semiconductor processes, have forced industry professionals into difficult choices between keeping their jobs or retaining U.S. citizenship.

This shift also follows the resignation of two U.S. nationals from key technical roles at AMEC last year. Executives Ni Tuqiang and Yang Wei stepped down from their positions, with the company stating that their departures would not significantly impact its research, operations, or competitiveness.

Yin's decision to change his nationality reflects the broader trend of increasing separation between U.S. and Chinese semiconductor ecosystems. As tensions continue to rise, particularly in high-tech industries, this move underscores the growing rift in global supply chains.

Shares of AMEC, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, closed flat on Friday at 190 RMB ($26 USD).