US flags suspected ASML lithography equipment delivery to China
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The US administration has voiced concern over suspected delivery of advanced lithography equipment by Dutch company ASML to China. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raised the possibility that ASML supplied high-tech semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. ASML has denied the allegations, stating it has never shipped EUV lithography systems or related parts to China.
Key Facts
- US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said ASML may have supplied advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China.
- The equipment in question is an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, which is banned for export to China under US export controls.
- ASML denied ever shipping EUV lithography systems or related parts and modules to China.
- Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi said China is increasingly capable of producing complex microchips using older equipment.
- Reuters reported that a project involving former ASML engineers is called 'China's Manhattan Project' and aims to strengthen the country's technological independence.
US Concerns
The US administration expressed concern over information that China gained access to critical chip manufacturing technologies. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, serving under the Donald Trump administration, announced suspicions that Dutch company ASML may have supplied high-tech semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. The equipment in question is an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, which enables production of the world's most advanced microchips. Export of this equipment to China is prohibited under US export control requirements. If such a delivery occurred, it would be assessed as a gross violation of the international export control regime.
ASML Denial
ASML categorically denied the allegations. The company stated it has never supplied EUV lithography systems or dedicated parts and modules to China. The Dutch government also stated that all licensing requirements related to semiconductor production are strictly observed. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi said China is increasingly capable of producing complex microchips even using older equipment. Wakasugi suggested US concerns may stem from the rapid development of Chinese engineering rather than an export control violation by ASML.
Technology Rivalry
China is known to be making efforts to develop its own EUV technology. Reuters reported that a project involving former ASML engineers is called 'China's Manhattan Project' and is aimed at strengthening the country's technological independence. The US has been increasing pressure on Dutch company ASML in recent years. Washington is focusing not only on EUV systems but also on maintenance agreements in China and sales of deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment. The US is developing legislative initiatives urging allies to align export restrictions with American requirements.
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US flags suspected ASML lithography equipment delivery to China
