难度：****

mulling 研磨，琢磨 spell 导致，决定 fiendish 棘手的 prone 易于的 grants 津贴 meant 打算

They are increasingly critical for defense; in the AI race between America and China, they could spell the difference between victory and defeat.

他们（半导体公司）变得越来越重要对国防而言，在AI的中美竞争中，半导体公司能够决定（国防）的胜败。

Yet chips also pose a fiendish test for proponents of industrial policy.

然而芯片也给产业政策主导者带来严峻的考验。

A fab in Ohio meant to open this year is now expected to begin operations in the early 2030s.

位于Ohio计划今年开业的晶圆厂现在预计要在2030年早期开始生产。

Intel is heavily indebted and generated barely enough cash to keep itself afloat.

Intel正深陷债务，勉强能够产生维持其运营的现金。