The Dutch government has implemented new regulations that restrict the export of specific semiconductor equipment to China, following a similar action taken by the United States earlier this year. These restrictions will have a significant impact on one of the world’s most important semiconductor companies, ASML, which is based in the Netherlands and produces the machinery required to manufacture advanced chips.
Starting from September 1, companies in the Netherlands will be required to obtain a license in order to export certain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment overseas. The aim of these new rules, as stated by Dutch Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher, is to prioritize national security due to concerns that the equipment could potentially be utilized for military purposes. The restrictions will only affect a small number of companies and specific product models, although the minister did not disclose which countries will be subject to these limitations.
The Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands strongly criticized the introduction of these new regulations, describing them as “an abuse of export control measures” that seriously disrupt free trade and international trade rules. Despite this, the embassy expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Dutch government in order to address the issue in a way that promotes the healthy development of Sino-Dutch economic and trade relations.
The US had previously implemented broad restrictions in October of last year, with the objective of cutting off the export of key chips and semiconductor tools to China. Since then, the US has been urging other major chip-producing nations and allies, such as the Netherlands and Japan, to follow its lead and also impose export restrictions.
There have been recent reports suggesting that the US authorities are considering further export controls on microchips used for AI development in China. Such a move is expected to have a negative impact on sales in the world’s largest semiconductor market.
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In conclusion, the Netherlands has now joined the United States in imposing tighter restrictions on the export of semiconductor equipment to China. These measures are aimed at safeguarding national security and echo the concerns expressed by the US regarding potential military applications of the equipment. The Chinese Embassy has denounced the restrictions, but remains open to engagement with the Dutch government to mutually address the issue and promote a healthy economic relationship. These restrictions follow similar actions taken by the US, and there are indications that further export controls may be implemented in the future.
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