Why maintaining ASML equipment is the new front in US-China chip war
The U.S. government is urging allies to prevent computer chip manufacturing equipment companies, such as ASML of the Netherlands, from maintaining tools sold in China to hinder China’s ability to produce advanced computer chips. ASML’s lithography tools are crucial in chipmaking, and denying maintenance could halt chip production in Chinese plants. The Dutch government, a U.S. ally, may deny export licenses for maintenance in some cases but aims to avoid harming ASML or its relations with China. ASML sold a significant amount of equipment to Chinese customers, but its best tools are not sold there. ASML has export licenses to service Chinese customers until the end of the year. If Chinese chipmakers lose maintenance support for ASML equipment, they may face challenges in operating optimally without software updates and specialized parts. ASML’s consequences may be minor initially, but Chinese chipmakers may seek alternatives to using ASML equipment in the future.