American media's obsession with writing about how China copied everything and nothing original gets done there.
FYI, China publishes more research papers and files for more patents than any other country.
Semiconductor tech and fab capacity has become a key strategic asset, especially for China as they are the weaker side and are playing catch-up. So realistically I would expect a "do whatever it takes" approach to gaining advantages.
Ignoring the derogatory words of the article; this is a massive technical feat for SMIC whose business is severely hampered by US sanctions. Also doing double patterning with DUVL, which I assume is the basic technique here, for higher resolution is not something that is unique to, nor owned by TSMC.