On his way to Japan, U.S. Official meets with the Dutch government in an attempt of encouraging allies to further restrict China’s ability to produce high-tech chips and chip manufacturing equipment
The information was provided by an anonymous source on Tuesday told Reuters.
The United States’ export policy leader Alan Estevez once again tried to improve upon a 2023 deal between the three countries involving wafer manufacturing equipment from China that would help modernize their military.
First imposed in 2022, sweeping restrictions are currently being enforced on the export of advanced chips and chip manufacturing equipment to China by companies like Nvidia (California) and Lam Research.
In July last year, which reflected this American policy, Tokyo Electron and Nikon Corp., makers of chip equipment in Japan restricted the exportation of 23 types of equipment including silicon wafers with thin film deposition machines and microcircuit etching kit.
Thereafter, Holland has been regulating exports of deep ultraviolet (DUV) semiconductor equipment into China by ASML based in The Netherlands whereas some DUV machines have also been restricted elsewhere within America at only a few Chinese factories as such systems manufactured by ASML possess US components; ASML is followed by other firms as the leading global chip tool maker.
According to him, talks were going on between Washington and its allies on adding another eleven Chinese facilities that make computer chips onto a blacklist. He said there are five factories already listed, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation based in China which is biggest foundry company according to him.
More machinery for building chips should be controlled by America too stated one individual interviewed about it.
Further comments were declined by U.S. Commerce Department spokesman. On Monday however Dutch Foreign Ministry Spokesperson confirmed that there was meeting held yesterday as part of ongoing security negotiations between the U.S. and Netherlands governments over their common export policies.Netherlands
“A constant touch” with our partners,” he added referring to Netherlands always remaining close with its allies.
American officials who visited the Netherlands in April were trying to stop ASML from providing services on certain Chinese equipment. It is against U.S. law for an American company to provide maintenance service for equipments in advance factories in China.
However, it is important to note that ASML still operates under service contracts,” he said, adding that Dutch government lacks extraterritorial jurisdiction over these agreements.”
In April, ASML stated that it hoped that by using this way most of the billions of euros worth of equipment sold to China could be serviced but parts from America could not be used. The company made no immediate response on Wednesday.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Last year Huawei, a sanctioned Chinese telecoms giant, unveiled a phone with advanced microchips. Despite the efforts by Washington however; Huawei Mate 60 Pro remains seen as indicator of China’s renaissance in technology.
