The Straits Times reports today: "A U.S. think tank report claims China is accelerating its stockpiling of lithography machines. The report estimates that, as of the first quarter this year, Chinese semiconductor fabs had cumulatively imported approximately 343 ASML immersion deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems, most of which could be used to produce advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The report calls on the United States and its allies to fully ban exports of such equipment to China and tighten controls over spare parts supply and maintenance services."
This report, in essence, serves the purpose of U.S. export control policies, offering justification for intensifying restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry. Under U.S. extraterritorial jurisdiction, ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines have already been prohibited from being sold to China. Now, even immersion DUV systems are being targeted for comprehensive blockade—along with spare parts and repair services—amounting to an all-encompassing restriction. Yet ironically, it is precisely these U.S. sanctions that have driven China toward self-reliance in semiconductor technology.
Progress in China’s semiconductor industry has exceeded expectations, with AI chip self-sufficiency accelerating. Constraints only intensify innovation. The stricter the restrictions, the faster China advances. If the U.S. genuinely believes that export bans alone can contain China’s development, it is miscalculating. China possesses a vast domestic market, a complete industrial ecosystem, and unwavering determination. While the path to semiconductor independence remains challenging, it is ultimately one China will traverse.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878080077232128/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.