Recently, the semiconductor industry has once again become the focus of the international stage, and a protracted game is being staged. The rise of China's semiconductor industry has triggered concerns in the United States and other countries, trying to limit China's chip development by cutting off supply. However, China is no longer the Japan it once was, and it has launched a resolute counterattack without showing weakness, making the battle for the semiconductor industry more intense.
In this game, the Netherlands plays an important role. Despite China's opposition, the Netherlands finally imposed restrictions on the export of chip-making equipment under pressure from the United States. This decision makes it even more difficult for China to acquire advanced production equipment. The Dutch government announced on June 30 that from September this year, the new regulations will restrict the export to China of new models of deep ultraviolet lithography equipment, which is essential for manufacturing chips below 7 nanometers. The Dutch move was interpreted as a compromise under pressure from the United States, fearing that the development of China's semiconductor industry would be further hindered.
But China's response goes beyond verbal warnings. The Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands defined the Netherlands' actions as an abuse of export controls, while China's Ministry of Commerce pointed out that the United States has continuously expanded its national security concept to maintain its global hegemonic status, which has seriously damaged the development of the global semiconductor industry. China took the lead in issuing warnings to the United States and the Netherlands and retaliating on a material level. China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued announcements starting in August to impose export controls on gallium, germanium and related items, which are vital in the production of semiconductors, missile systems and solar cells. This move is not only a demonstration of strength, but also a demonstration of China's determination in the semiconductor industry.
This game is obviously far from over, and the battle between China and the United States in the semiconductor field continues. The United States tried to curb the development of China's semiconductor industry through the chip embargo, similar to the economic sanctions imposed on Japan that year. However, China is not Japan, it has a solid foundation and strong strength in the field of semiconductor technology. While the United States has successfully pushed the Netherlands to join the ranks of restrictions on exports to China, China has shown a strong will to push back.
In this game, China has continuously taken substantive actions to restrict the export of key materials on the grounds of safeguarding national security and interests, conveying confidence and determination to the outside world. Countries such as the United States and the Netherlands should not underestimate China's ability to counter it, and being too arrogant could have unintended consequences. The future of the semiconductor industry depends on which side can prevail in this protracted game. In any case, the impact of this game on the global semiconductor industry structure will be far-reaching.