U.S. Pushes to Block Tokyo Electron, ASML Engineers From Supporting China’s Chip Industry

The U.S. government is intensifying efforts to curb China's semiconductor advancements by restricting engineers from Japan’s Tokyo Electron and the Netherlands’ ASML (AS:ASML) from servicing chipmaking equipment in China, according to Bloomberg.

Officials from the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands recently discussed tightening these restrictions, aiming to limit Beijing’s access to critical semiconductor technology. The move builds on previous export controls, which have already impacted China’s chip manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, some former Trump administration officials are advocating for stricter regulations on Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) chip exports. They propose further reducing the types and quantities of AI and high-performance computing chips that can be sold to China without a license. This could further hinder China’s ability to develop advanced artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies.

The Biden administration has been reinforcing semiconductor restrictions, including limiting China’s access to cutting-edge U.S. chip technology and pressuring allies to follow suit. The Netherlands has already imposed export restrictions on ASML’s advanced lithography machines, while Japan has introduced similar measures affecting its semiconductor industry.

These ongoing efforts reflect growing concerns over China’s rapid progress in AI and chipmaking, which Washington views as a strategic threat. As geopolitical tensions escalate, stricter controls on chip technology are likely to remain a key focus in U.S.-China tech relations.