June 30 (UPI) — The Netherlands has taken decisive action by imposing new trade restrictions that will effectively prohibit the sale of Dutch-made semiconductor chips and cutting-edge technology to China.
Starting in September, the new export limits introduced by The Hague will necessitate Dutch manufacturer ASML, the leading supplier of semiconductors globally, to obtain government export licenses in order to ship their groundbreaking microchips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which are still relatively scarce on the global market.
In a statement, Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher emphasized that this rule change is crucial for national security.
“This advance notice will allow the affected companies to prepare and make necessary adjustments to comply with the new regulations,” Schreinemacher stated.
These chips, developed through the use of ultraviolet light, represent the latest innovation in advanced military applications. There are growing concerns in Washington that China might exploit this technology to bolster its military capabilities.
These restrictions follow a trilateral agreement reached by the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan in January to prevent certain ASML technologies from reaching China.
These new measures are part of a broader effort by the U.S. to counter the presence of Chinese telecommunications equipment worldwide, amid increasing fears of espionage. Additionally, the U.S. is collaborating with international partners to prevent the unrestricted transfer of advanced technology to Beijing.
The European Union has also been engaged in discussions in Brussels, exploring ways to safeguard global supply chains and reduce its financial dependence on China.
Last week, the EU unveiled an economic security plan, which includes a comprehensive review of the bloc’s supply chain system to mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies such as quantum computers, artificial intelligence, and advanced microchips.
“We conducted a meticulous examination and worked with precision,” Schreinemacher remarked in his statement. “We can address critical vulnerabilities without unnecessarily disrupting global chip production.”
ASML responded to the rule change with a statement of its own, expressing confidence that it will not significantly impact their business.
For years, ASML has been unable to export its most advanced chip-making systems to China due to the absence of an export license.
The Dutch government anticipates receiving numerous export license requests in the coming months before the new controls are implemented.
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