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The Netherlands has determined to withdraw permits for ASML, the chief in semiconductor tools manufacturing, to export its tools to China on fears it could be used for army functions.
In a written response to questions from members of parliament, Dutch Commerce Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen stated that China is specializing in overseas experience, together with Dutch experience within the discipline of lithography, to advertise self-sufficiency in its military-technical growth
ASML instruments can be utilized to make superior semiconductors that may go into “excessive worth weapons techniques and weapons of mass destruction,” and the Dutch authorities is targeted on “the danger of undesirable finish use” when reviewing export licensing choices, van Leeuwen stated in a written observe cited by Reuters.
Netherlands-based ASML dominates the world marketplace for lithography techniques, wanted by laptop chip makers to assist create circuitry.
The minister was questioned by a lawmaker on why the federal government initially granted, then rapidly retracted, a license for ASML to export varied tools to undisclosed clients in China. He didn’t reply on to the query, however solely stated a number of licenses to export superior tools to China have been granted because the licensing requirement was launched in September. About 20 related purposes are anticipated this yr, and not using a breakdown of what number of for China.
Beneath stress from america, the Netherlands final yr required ASML to use for licenses to export its mid-range deep ultraviolet lithography machines. The corporate’s most superior instruments haven’t been offered in China.
On Jan. 1 this yr, ASML confirmed that a few of its export permits for tools to China have been revoked. In accordance with laws, the corporate stated it won’t export any NXT:2000i or extra superior tools to China, and as a result of U.S. restrictions, the corporate additionally can’t export NXT:1970 and NXT:1980i merchandise to “a small quantity” of Chinese language producers.
Translated by RFA employees. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
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