U.S. officials warn ASML’s top EUV chip tool may be in China as ASML denies

U.S. officials warned today that ASML’s most advanced chipmaking tool may have reached China, a claim ASML disputed, according to TechCrunch. The extreme ultraviolet lithography system is vital for leading edge chips and has been kept out of China under coordinated export controls. Any breach could trigger penalties, draw in Dutch regulators, and further strain U.S.-China tech relations.

ASML told TechCrunch that no such system is in China and said it complies with all licensing rules. TechCrunch adds that the commercial logic cuts against ASML risking its export permissions to arm a Chinese customer, and notes that authorities in Washington and The Hague have not detailed evidence. Watch for statements from the U.S. Commerce Department and the Dutch government, plus ASML audit disclosures or license actions. [Developing. This article will be updated.]