BEIJING: China has strongly criticized the United States, accusing it of sabotaging the international trading system and posing serious risks to the security of global semiconductor industrial and supply chains.
The remarks come in response to the recent actions taken by the US, including new export restrictions and the Dutch government’s move to block ASML (Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography) exports to China.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, quoted by the state-run Global Times, expressed China’s opposition to what it perceives as US bullying and sabotage of the international trading system. Wang emphasized that these actions pose significant risks to the security of global semiconductor industrial and supply chains.
The comments follow the Dutch government’s decision to partially revoke a license for the shipment of NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i lithography systems by ASML, impacting a limited number of customers in China. ASML, in a statement on Monday, clarified that it does not expect the export license revocation or the recent US export control restrictions to materially impact its financial outlook for 2023.
Last year, the United States introduced new export restrictions aimed at halting the export of chip-making machines if they contain any US parts. These measures have had ripple effects on global semiconductor trade and technology supply chains.
The ongoing tensions in the tech sector extend to Beijing’s response, which included the imposition of export controls on gallium and germanium metals. These materials are essential components in the production of semiconductors and electronics.
China’s Wang Wenbin urged the Dutch government to honor the spirit of the contract and take concrete actions to safeguard the common interests of Dutch and Chinese companies.
