Huanqiu Times reported that Nikkei Asia Review published an article “Can China Build Its Own ASML?” ASML is the Dutch maker of advanced lithography machines critical for chip production. The U.S. has imposed strict export controls on China, restricting exports of advanced semiconductor chips as well as design software and manufacturing equipment.
The U.S. export controls have inadvertently fostered a “golden age” for Chinese chip equipment makers to develop their own alternatives. While Chinese firms like SMIC and others have made progress replacing foreign tools in several chipmaking processes, lithography remains a major challenge due to its complexity and high cost. Only ASML, Canon, and Nikon have historically produced such machines.
However, with strong government support, there are Chinese companies working on that front. Companies like Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) have created machines to make 90nm chips, while Huawei supports local R&D and talent recruitment. Smaller firms like Shanghai Yuliangsheng, backed by top research institutes, also aim to develop China’s own EUV lithography machines and build an independent ecosystem free from U.S. restrictions.
A U.S. semiconductor expert warned that Chinese toolmakers could someday become competitive both domestically and globally, and once that happens, they will be hard to stop.
Source: Huanqiu Times, July 16, 2025
https://oversea.huanqiu.com/article/4NWVNXq6viC