China has expressed dissatisfaction with the Dutch government’s decision to expand export controls on advanced chipmaking equipment produced by ASML, one of the world’s leading suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing tools. In a statement released by China’s commerce ministry, the country criticized the move, accusing the Dutch government of aligning with U.S.-led efforts to restrict China’s access to critical technology.
The Dutch government announced on Friday that it would impose expanded export licensing requirements on ASML’s 1970i and 1980i deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion lithography tools, which are essential for producing advanced semiconductor chips. The new controls align with the U.S. export restrictions introduced last year, aimed at limiting China’s ability to develop cutting-edge chips and maintain a competitive edge in semiconductor technology.
Beijing has been vocal in its opposition to the United States’ strategy of pressuring its allies, such as the Netherlands and Japan, to restrict Chinese access to high-tech semiconductor equipment. In its statement, China’s commerce ministry condemned these actions as part of Washington’s efforts to maintain global dominance. “In recent years, in order to maintain its global hegemony, the United States has coerced certain countries to tighten export control measures for semiconductors and related equipment,” the ministry said, adding that China remains “resolutely opposed” to such measures.
The Chinese ministry further warned the Dutch government against abusing export controls, cautioning that the move could harm Sino-Dutch cooperation in the semiconductor industry. It called on the Netherlands to safeguard the “common interests of Chinese and Dutch enterprises” by refraining from actions that could undermine their partnership.
ASML, a Dutch company, is the largest supplier of semiconductor lithography systems globally, with its cutting-edge equipment playing a crucial role in the production of advanced chips. U.S. lobbying has already prevented ASML from exporting its most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems to China, and the new Dutch export controls now extend those restrictions to older DUV machines as well.
Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever justified the decision, stating it was made in the interest of national and international security. She emphasized that the move was necessary to prevent the misuse of advanced technology in ways that could pose risks to global safety.
The expansion of export controls marks a further tightening of restrictions on China’s access to semiconductor manufacturing tools, as the global semiconductor industry becomes increasingly entangled in geopolitical tensions. While the Dutch government seeks to align its policies with those of the U.S., China is pushing back, raising concerns about the future of international cooperation in the high-tech sector.
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