China Criticizes US Requests To The Netherlands To Limit Semiconductor Exports

JAKARTA - China protested the request of the United States (US) to Dutch companies ASML to limit access to exports of semiconductor technology to the Bamboo Curtain country.

"China opposes US efforts to overly impose the concept of national security and uses all kinds of pretexts to force other countries to participate in the technology blockade against China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the media in Beijing as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 2.

ASML Holding NV is known to cancel deliveries of some of its engines to China at the request of the US government a few weeks before the semiconductor export ban comes into effect.

Padahal produsen teknologi asal Belanda itu memiliki izin untuk mengirimkan tiga mesin lithography ultraviolet ke perusahaan-perusahaan China hingga Januari 2024 sebelum pembatasan di Belanda mulai diperlakukan sepenuhnya.

ASML produces ultraviolet lithography machines used in the manufacture of chips for various technological devices such as computers, gadgets, smartwatches, and other electronic devices.

"Semikonduktor adalah industri yang sangat meglobal. Dalam perekonomian dunia yang sangat terintegrasi, praktik hegemoni dan intimidasi yang dilakukan AS sangat melanggar aturan perdagangan internasional, melemahkan struktur industri semiknduktor global, berdampak pada keamanan dan stabilitas chain industri dan pasokan internasional dan tentunya akan menjarangkang," kata Wang Wenbin.

China, he said, urged the Netherlands to uphold objective and fair market positions and principles and respect the contracts that had been agreed upon.

"Then take concrete action to protect the common interests of China and the Netherlands as well as companies of both countries, and maintain the stability of industrial chains, supply and a free, open, fair and non-discriminatory international trade environment," said Wang Wenbin.

He said the Chinese government would closely follow the relevant developments and firmly maintain its legitimate rights and interests.

The US is said to be concerned about China's ability to produce the world's most advanced semiconductor, which has artificial intelligence and military applications.

US pressure on ASML has started in 2019, when President Donald Trump's administration prompted the Dutch government to ban the sale of the most recent ASML ultraviolet litography machines to China.

ASML is the only technology manufacturer in the manufacture of semiconductors that powers various electronic devices.

The Dutch government has further tightened export control of China last year by limiting the DUV machine, another product line offered by the company starting January 1, 2024.

As a result of the ban, imports of litography machines into China jumped more than five times to USD 3.7 billion, according to Chinese customs data.