China criticizes Dutch export controls on ASML chip equipment
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce reported that China is displeased with the Dutch government's decision to expand export controls on ASML's chip production equipment. The People’s Republic of China accuses the USA of exerting pressure on other countries to apply economic coercion against China.
In recent years, to maintain its global hegemony, the United States has been constantly generalizing the concept of national security and coercing certain countries to tighten export control measures on semiconductors and equipment... China firmly opposes this," reads the Sunday statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in response to the decision by the Dutch authorities to implement further export restrictions on chip production equipment.
The Dutch government announced on Friday that exporting older-generation lithography machines using "deep ultraviolet" (DUV) technology would require obtaining national licences. Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever said the decision was made "for our safety."
In accordance with the USA
The Hague's decision aligns with Washington's export restrictions on this type of machinery. In September 2023, the Dutch government implemented licensing requirements for newer generations of DUV machines.
The People’s Republic of China has repeatedly accused the USA of pressuring allies to join in export control efforts to restrict China's access to the most advanced semiconductors and equipment for their production.
DUV lithography machines are among the most advanced machines for semiconductor production. They are produced worldwide only by the Dutch company ASML and the Japanese company Nikon. Analysts point out that the lack of access to them affects China's technological development ambitions.
