The Dutch government announced on Friday that it will expand export restrictions on equipment needed to make microchips. According to the government, export restrictions are being tightened for security reasons.
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of microchip production equipment is the Dutch company ASML, whose products have already been subject to export restrictions.
Western powers, led by the United States, have been tightening high-tech export restrictions on China in the last couple of years.
According to experts, Washington’s goal is to weaken China’s ability to produce advanced microchips that can be used in weapons technology.
Source: AP