In the wave of globalization, science and technology have become an important symbol of national power. In recent years, with the rapid development of science and technology, especially in the semiconductor industry, the competition between countries has become more and more fierce. Semiconductors, the core devices of the commanding heights of modern technology, rely on precision manufacturing technologies, the most critical of which is the lithography machine. As the world's largest manufacturer of lithography machines, ASML plays a pivotal role in the development of the global semiconductor industry with its technologies and products. Political involvement complicates technological exchanges, especially in the technological war between the United States and China, and the position and decision-making of the Netherlands have received great attention from the international community.
A turning point came in 2018 when the U.S. government launched the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at China's Huawei company, accusing her of violating sanctions against Iran. This incident is not only a legal dispute, but also a deeper reflection of the fierce international competition in science and technology. The purpose of the United States is obvious, not only to crack down on a company, but also to restrict China's development in the high-tech field through a technological blockade.
The Netherlands, as a small country, occupies an absolute leading position in the global lithography machine market, and ASML's high-end lithography machines almost monopolize the market. Under pressure from the United States, the Dutch government finally decided to impose export restrictions on China, especially to ban the export of advanced immersion lithography machines to China.
On a rainy autumn afternoon, in one of ASML's conference rooms, the company's top executives gathered urgently. The company's CEO, a middle-aged, white-haired Dutchman, was looking at the report ahead with a frown.
"It's a political game, and we're getting involved." The CEO said in a deep voice, with helplessness in his eyes, "If we stop exporting to China, we will lose our third largest market." This is a huge blow to the company and to shareholders. ”
"But we can't disobey the government's orders, we need to find a compromise." The marketing director chimed in.
The discussions continued for several hours, and in the end, they decided to speed up exchanges and shipments to China as much as possible without violating the policy in order to maintain market share.
Time flies like a white horse, and in the blink of an eye, it is 2023. Despite export restrictions, ASML's market share in China rose sharply in the second and third quarters, demonstrating the huge demand for ASML's products in China and the effectiveness of the company's strategy.
Just when everyone was busy for the upcoming annual wrap-up, the Dutch government suddenly announced that it would stop export restrictions to China. The decision came as a bolt from the blue and shocked the entire industry.
"It's a victory for us and a victory for cooperation." Speaking at an internal meeting, the CEO excitedly said, "We have proved that a balance between politics and economics is possible." ”
With the official announcement of the Dutch government, ASML quickly adjusted its strategy and fully resumed supply to the Chinese market. The company's stock price soared on the news, and market confidence was greatly boosted. China's semiconductor manufacturers are also relieved that they once again have access to the world's most advanced lithography technology, which is essential to improve the competitiveness of their products.
In an era of interconnected globalization, the boundaries between technology and politics are blurring, but the Dutch decision reminds us that the essence of technology is to serve human progress and not to fall victim to political battles. The transformation of the Dutch government is not only a reassessment of economic benefits, but also a reaffirmation of international cooperation and the free flow of technology. Science and technology should be a bridge, not a barrier, and should promote understanding and cooperation between countries, not deepen differences. Today we are witnessing the power of reason and progress, and perhaps in the near future, more countries will choose to stand in the right historical direction.