China upset over Netherlands’ export control expansion

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) expressed dissatisfaction on Sunday with the Netherlands’ decision to extend export controls on lithography machines, which builds on the semiconductor export restrictions introduced in 2023.

An MOC spokesperson stated that despite recent multi-level communications between China and the Netherlands regarding semiconductor controls, the expansion of these measures is viewed as a threat to global semiconductor supply chains and the legitimate rights of affected countries and companies.

The spokesperson criticised the US for pressuring countries to impose tighter export controls to maintain its global dominance, which has disrupted the semiconductor industry.

China urged the Netherlands to adhere to international trade rules, respect market principles, and avoid actions that could harm the cooperation and development of the semiconductor sector between the two nations.

Attribution: Xinhua

Subediting: Y.Yasser