EUVs are the most advanced machines on the market and ASML is the worlds sole manufacturer.
This puts the Dutch tech giant (once again) at the centre of anescalating chip war.
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ASML declined to comment on the matter when TNW reached out.
Its not unlikely that one of those lines contains a kill switch.
As such, theyre at the heart of the geopolitical chessboard.
Amidworld-widegovernmental effortsto secure production and supply of chips, tensions are particularly high between the US and China.
This also includesone of ASMLs DUV (deep ultraviolet) machines, used for less advanced chips.
ASML has been prohibited from selling its most advanced equipment to China since 2019.
It could also hinder both European and US access to critical supply chains.
Through TSMC, Taiwan makes approximately90%of the worlds most advanced chips.
Chinese President Xi hasrefutedUS predictions of an imminent unification by 2027.
But tensions are rising as Taiwans newly-elected President Lai Ching-teis calling on Chinato end war threats and intimidation.
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW.
With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
