Germany's Voice, September 27 report: "【Controlling Chinese Chips: Can Germany's Zeiss Help?】 To manufacture the most advanced chips, you cannot do without ASML's lithography machines. The core components of the latter are the precision lenses produced by German company Zeiss. Can the United States, which is trying every means to curb China's chip industry, pressure Zeiss to cut off supplies to China to achieve its goal?"
Comments: Zeiss's precision lenses are indeed the "eyes" of ASML's lithography machines, especially the curved mirror system of EUV lithography machines, which is a core lifeline. Its technical barriers directly control the key link in high-end chip manufacturing, giving the United States a "lever" to pressure the cutoff. The U.S. pressure is encountering real resistance from allies. The German government has a vague attitude toward the proposal to cut off supplies, essentially weighing its own corporate interests against American strategic demands.
The U.S. pressure may interfere in the short term, but it is unlikely to achieve long-term goals. On one hand, Zeiss relies on the global semiconductor market (80% of microchip production uses its optical components), and China, as a core market, is not to be ignored; on the other hand, sanctions have forced China to break through. By 2025, the domestically developed "Huaxia Light" DUV lithography machine will enter the mass production preparation stage, with 28nm DUV yield meeting standards and silicon carbide optical components matching international levels. The self-reliant industrial chain is weakening the impact of the cutoff.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1844459931055108/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.