Beijing condemns Dutch move to align with US chip restrictions
The Dutch government expanded licensing requirements on ASML’s chipmaking equipment, drawing criticism from China, which sees the move as part of a US-led effort to curb its tech growth.
China has expressed dissatisfaction with the Dutch government’s decision to extend export controls on ASML’s chipmaking equipment. The Dutch government announced it would expand licensing requirements on ASML’s 1970i and 1980i DUV lithography machines, aligning its policies with the US export restrictions introduced last year.
China has criticised Washington’s efforts to pressure allies like the Netherlands and Japan to impose restrictions that limit Chinese access to advanced semiconductor technologies. Beijing described the move as part of the United States strategy to maintain global dominance and strongly opposed the measures.
In its statement, China urged the Netherlands to avoid abusing export controls, emphasising that such actions could harm Sino-Dutch cooperation in the semiconductor sector and damage business interests on both sides. Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever defended the decision, saying it was made in the interest of safety.
The Dutch restrictions have effectively blocked ASML, the world’s largest chipmaking equipment supplier, from sending its most advanced lithography systems to China, impacting China’s ability to produce cutting-edge semiconductors.
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