The Dutch company ASML Holding – one of the world leaders in the market of photolithographic machines that are used to produce advanced microchips – announced the theft of its technologies “(at the moment.— “uh”) by a former employee in China.” About this ASML informed in the annual financial statements published on Wednesday, February 15. The company does not specify what these technologies are, but notes that the theft is not critical for its business, while it is possible that export controls on technologies could be violated.
US authorities have repeatedly banned the import of advanced chips and related technologies to China. ASML, as the world’s only manufacturer of ultra-hard ultraviolet lithography (EUV) scanners needed to produce advanced chips, has already found itself at the center of conflict between the US and China. It was reported that the US authorities demanded that ASML not supply EUV scanners to China, as a result, there were no such deliveries. A month ago, Bloomberg reported that the Netherlands and Japan may impose controls on technology exports to China.
