China Discontent Over Dutch Export Controls

BEIJING (Reuters) – China is “dissatisfied” with the Dutch government’s decision to expand export controls on ASML (AS:ASML) chipmaking equipment, according to a statement from the Chinese commerce ministry on Sunday.

The Dutch government announced on Friday that it would tighten export licensing requirements for ASML’s 1970i and 1980i DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) immersion lithography tools, aligning with export restrictions imposed by the United States last year.

Beijing has consistently criticized Washington’s efforts to persuade allies like the Netherlands and Japan to implement export controls that limit Chinese access to advanced chips and chipmaking technology.

According to China’s commerce ministry, “In recent years, to maintain its global hegemony, the United States has coerced certain countries to tighten export control measures for semiconductors and related equipment… China is resolutely opposed to this”.

The ministry further urged the Dutch government to avoid misusing export controls, to prevent measures that could harm cooperation in semiconductors between China and the Netherlands, and to protect the “common interests of Chinese and Dutch enterprises”.

U.S. lobbying has effectively halted ASML, the world’s leading supplier of chipmaking equipment, from exporting its most advanced lithography systems to China.

Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever stated on Friday that the decision was made “for our safety”.