China opposes Dutch tightening of semiconductor export rules

China has urged the Netherlands to avoid hindering normal cooperation and development between the two countries' semiconductor industries, emphasizing the need to ensure the interests of both Chinese and Dutch businesses, said the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

The Dutch government has expanded its control measures on lithography machines, extending beyond its 2023 semiconductor export control policies. China has expressed dissatisfaction with this move, said the ministry's spokesperson in an online statement.

The Chinese official said that the United States has continuously broadened the concept of national security to maintain its global dominance in recent years, pressuring certain countries to tighten export controls on semiconductors and related equipment.

This has severely threatened the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain and undermined the legitimate rights of affected countries and businesses. China firmly opposes such actions, according to the statement.

The spokesperson said that the Dutch government should respect market principles and contractual obligations, and refrain from abusing export control measures, as well as safeguard the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain.