ASML’s CFO Unusually Opposes U.S. Escalation of Chipmaking Equipment Restrictions on China: According to Reuters, ASML’s Chief Financial Officer Thomas de Boer said during a conference call on October 14 that “if the Hardware Technology Multilateral Coordination Regulation Act passes after the U.S. midterm elections, it would accelerate China’s independent development of alternative technologies—a move not in the best interest of global stability.”

The proposed legislation, which passed the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee 36 to 8 in April, aims to ban ASML from selling all deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems to China, restrict after-sales maintenance for Chinese equipment, and impose a 150-day deadline to compel allies such as the Netherlands and Japan to align their export controls. Why is ASML speaking out publicly?

This is effectively ASML voicing its own concerns—but with measured weight. In reality, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment has already been restricted from export to China, and the Netherlands has imposed export controls on certain high-end DUV systems. However, DUV tools remain critical for manufacturing mature-node semiconductors. The Chinese market is not an optional add-on for ASML but a stable and established revenue stream. Cutting off DUV supply entirely would effectively cede this segment to Chinese domestic equipment manufacturers, who are rapidly advancing their capabilities.

The Dutch government now finds itself in a delicate position: while participating in the U.S.-led “Silicon Peace” initiative, it remains resolute in opposing attempts by the United States to use domestic law to constrain the overseas operations of Dutch companies. Yet, the pace of China’s technological self-reliance has exceeded expectations. The Kirin 9000S chip has demonstrated that China’s domestic supply chain can successfully produce advanced chips using DUV equipment. Major Chinese foundries such as SMIC and Yangtze Memory Technologies are accelerating integration of domestically produced tools, while domestic equipment suppliers including NAURA and AMEC are seeing rapid increases in market penetration.

The more stringent the restrictions become, the faster alternatives emerge—a dynamic that worries ASML most. From an independent perspective, each tightening of export controls—from EUV to DUV, from equipment to service—fuels greater momentum toward domestic production in China. ASML’s warning is not alarmist: while Western policymakers debate whether to sell, Chinese enterprises are already focused on how to build their own. Meanwhile, divisions between the U.S. and Europe have become increasingly evident. The Netherlands’ stance exemplifies this duality—aligned with the U.S. on security matters, yet unwilling to sever economic ties completely.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879037729508492/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.