ASML and TSMC have ability to disable chip machines in event of Taiwan invasion by China – MyIndMakers
According to sources familiar with the matter, ASML Holding NV and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. have devised methods to deactivate their highly advanced chipmaking machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
US government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have reportedly expressed concerns to Dutch and Taiwanese counterparts regarding the potential consequences if Chinese aggression escalates into an attack on Taiwan, a crucial hub for the production of advanced semiconductors.
During discussions with Dutch authorities, ASML reportedly assured officials of its capability to remotely disable the machines, known as extreme ultraviolet machines (EUVs), which are crucial for producing cutting-edge microchips. The Netherlands has reportedly conducted simulations to assess the risks associated with a possible invasion.
Spokespeople for ASML, TSMC, and the Dutch trade ministry declined to comment on the matter. Requests for comment from the White House National Security Council, US Department of Defense, and US Department of Commerce remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
China has consistently asserted its claim over the island of Taiwan, with President Xi Jinping advocating for peaceful unification while also refusing to rule out military intervention. Despite warnings from US officials about China's alleged plans to invade Taiwan by 2027, Taiwanese authorities have played down the threat of an imminent invasion, while officials in Beijing have dismissed American warnings about a specific timeline as unfounded. The People’s Liberation Army has not been observed amassing troops along the coast, and Xi has prioritised stabilising China’s economy to achieve long-term development objectives.
Regarding the global chip industry, the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines, each roughly the size of a city bus, require regular maintenance and updates. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company responsible for manufacturing these machines can remotely trigger a shut-off mechanism, effectively acting as a kill switch. This Veldhoven-based company is the sole producer of these machines, which command prices exceeding €200 million ($217 million) each.
Image source: PTI
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