Leading the future of technology: challenge and progress
As time flies, science and technology advance, and the scientific and technological competition between the United States and China is no longer a new topic. In recent years, the United States has frequently imposed sanctions on Chinese technology companies, which some describe as a "rogue" role to the fullest. Huawei, as a Chinese technology giant, has long become a "thorn" in the eyes of the United States, however, not satisfied with the pressure on Huawei, the United States has recently set its sights on China's lithography machines and other equipment, in an attempt to gain the upper hand in the hegemony in the field of science and technology.
Lithography machine, as the weak link of the chip industry chain, has attracted much attention from Chinese science and technology practitioners. In terms of chip design, Huawei, Ali and other companies have broken through 5nm chip technology, and SMIC has made achievements in the field of chip manufacturing. However, the lack of EUV lithography machines has constrained China's chip manufacturing process. Therefore, ASML's EUV lithography machine has become one of the key equipment urgently needed in China. However, the sanctions actions of the United States and the Netherlands and Japan pose a great challenge to China's lithography machine industry.
As the world's largest manufacturer of lithography machines, Dutch ASML is well aware of the importance of the Chinese lithography machine market, but the pressure of the United States makes the Netherlands finally choose to bow to the United States, which is deeply shadowed by hegemony. For ASML, the importance of the Chinese market is self-evident, and the billions of euros in revenue contributed every year and the cumulative number of lithography machines sold in recent years make China an indispensable part of it.
However, the struggle in this tech game is not only involving the Netherlands, Japan has also joined the fray. Recently, Japan has imposed export controls on a variety of chip manufacturing equipment, although it has not explicitly targeted China, but this move will undoubtedly have an impact on the stability of the global supply chain. Japan's action seems to recall the historical competition in the semiconductor industry, and is the choice today worth being wary of?
In the face of US pressure and sanctions, Chinese technology companies have not yielded an inch, and finding a breakthrough is always their response. Past examples have shown that every pressure can spur innovation and drive independent R&D. Whether it is atomic bombs, domestic large aircraft, or breakthroughs in other fields, China has shown tenacity and perseverance. This time, in the face of challenges in the fields of lithography machines, we also have reason to believe that the pace of independent research and development will not stagnate.
The road to science and technology is long, and although the challenges are heavy, it is this challenge that shapes the strong driving force of scientific and technological development. Only by moving forward unswervingly, strengthening independent research and development, and narrowing the gap with the international community can we be invincible in the competition. Looking back at the glory of the past and the infinite possibilities of the future, the pace of China's science and technology will not stop.