Although the Dutch government banned exports of some of ASML's most advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography tools to China, the company still ships lithographic systems worth tens of billions of dollars to its Chinese customers. But a recent note from the Dutch trade minister highlights fears that ASML's tools could be used to advance Chinese military, reports Reuters.
"China focuses on foreign expertise, including Dutch expertise in the field of lithography, to promote self-sufficiency in its military-technical development," wrote Geoffrey Van Leeuwen, trade minister of the Netherlands, in a note seen by Reuters. "[Advanced chips made using ASML's tools can be used for] high-value weapons systems and weapons of mass destruction."
