ASML is no longer authorized by the cabinet to export some chip machines to China. This was stated in a letter by Foreign Trade Minister Schreinemacher to the House of Representatives. “China’s influence must be significantly reduced,” says VVD MEP Bart Groothuis.
According to Minister Schreinemacher, the restriction on exports to China must guarantee national and international security. VVD MEP Bart Groothuis believes it is important to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and the interests of the Dutch business community and our leading technology company ASML. “That’s how I would judge whether it’s a good deal or not.”
“This is not bullying China, but defending the security interests of the NATO alliance”
Military domain
Groothuis points out that the contents of the letter were not dictated by the Americans. ‘Minister Schreinemacher says some exports to China can continue so as not to let global chains go completely into the soup. This is not bullying China, but defending the security interests of the NATO alliance and the global balance of the world, without shooting each other in the foot. I think Holland did well.’
According to Groothuis, the most important point is that China would simply get too much military power if it could use ASML’s more modern chips. The Chinese could use them to allow missiles to navigate very accurately to targets. ‘Then the balance of military power will change, because then you can no longer sail the South China Sea in good conscience. This means that China will become too militarily dominant in the world, and that’s what we want to prevent.’
Conversely, according to Groothuis, it is also important to take a good look at the technology China brings to our market. ‘The pressure points that China has in our country are also considerable. For example in the field of media and corporate acquisitions, but also in the financing of political parties. China’s influence must be greatly reduced.” He says it’s important to continue trading with the Chinese.
European french fries law
Today Groothuis is discussing the European french fries law, an initiative that should improve the growth and competitiveness of the chip industry in Europe. The Chips Act is due to go into effect in June. ‘We will try to spend 43 billion euros to bring chip factories back to Europe. But we will also try to help universities, ASMLs and SMEs. One important thing I’m going to introduce is to see if we can build a heterogeneous chip factory in Enschede, so that we can do something for our chip industry in the Netherlands. This is very important.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
