The United States is pushing its allies, Japan and the Netherlands, to strengthen their restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. This move aims to limit China’s access to crucial chipmaking technology, including older-generation chip equipment and essential chipmaking chemicals.
The US has already implemented export controls to prevent China from acquiring semiconductors necessary for cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and advanced weaponry. Now, the focus is on urging Japan and the Netherlands to expand their limitations on semiconductor-related exports.
In particular, the US is keen on restricting China’s access to lithography equipment from companies such as Japan’s Nikon and Tokyo Electron. Additionally, critical chipmaking chemicals like photoresist, supplied by Japanese companies like Shin-Etsu Chemical, are also under scrutiny.
Furthermore, the Netherlands, home to semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML, has been called upon to prevent the servicing of chipmaking equipment sold to China before the implementation of last year’s trade restrictions. These efforts underscore the United States’ commitment to curbing China’s technological advancement in the semiconductor industry.
