ASML allegedly offered to spy on China for the US — company proposed being 'Washington’s eyes and ears in China' after breaking gentlemen’s agreement on limiting DUV sales to country, says new book

ASML allegedly offered to provide the U.S. with insights on its Chinese customers after breaching an agreement limiting sales of lithography machines to China. The book "The most important machine in the world" by former Bloomberg journalists reveals ASML CEO Peter Wennink sold more machines than agreed, causing tension between the Netherlands and the U.S. The U.S. sought to restrict ASML from servicing machines in China, prompting the CEO to propose ASML act as 'Washington’s eyes and ears in China.' ASML denied making this offer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining customer trust and data privacy laws. The incident sheds light on concerns about Chinese companies' presence in the U.S. and potential national security implications.