ASML under fire for selling DUV equipment to Chinese firm with military ties, says the machines are not subject to export controls — fears grow that 'old technology' will bolster Beijing's quantum effort

Dutch company ASML is facing criticism for selling older chip manufacturing technology to a Chinese defense firm with military ties, raising concerns about bolstering Beijing's quantum technology efforts. Despite ASML's claims that the technology sold was outdated and not cutting-edge, analysts worry about the implications for military technology development. The Dutch government has been cautious about China's access to chip design software and hardware, particularly with Chinese involvement in Dutch chip firm Nexperia. ASML's sale of deep lithography systems to Chinese entities, including a quantum academy, has sparked concerns about national security and export controls, with experts suggesting the need for stricter regulations on parts exports to China.