Chip machine manufacturer ASML from Veldhoven sold an essential part for a chip machine last year to a military research institute of one of China’s most important defense companies, CETC. A Chinese quantum institute was also a customer. This is evident from research by Nieuwsuur based on confidential information from ASML.
The deliveries to these Chinese customers are striking. In 2023, the Dutch government wrote that there is a great risk that Dutch advanced technology will be used for “the development of Chinese military technology and could be used to violate human rights by the Chinese state.”
Because of these concerns, many chip machines and parts are subject to strict export regulations. They are only allowed to cross the border if the government gives permission. But that permission is not required for the export of several important products for ASML’s customers that Nieuwsuur investigated.
Missile systems and drones
The military research institute that purchased a product from ASML is a subsidiary of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). This state-owned company is one of China’s most important defense concerns. The Chinese government calls it a “military-industrial group”. CETC designs and produces high-quality military technology, for example for use in missile systems and drones.
The institute named “24th Research Institute of CETC” is located in the metropolis of Chongqing. It bought a part of ASML in 2024 to adjust a chip machine.
Military ties
The institute makes no secret of its military ties. According to its own brochure, the institute is home to the only national laboratory for military computer chips in China. The institute also collaborated on China’s Shenzhou space program and the Tiangong space station, according to a local government official. The 24th Research Institute did not respond to questions from Nieuwsuur.
How does ASML respond?
ASML does not want to answer questions about its customers. In a response to Nieuwsuur, the company writes that it strictly adheres to all applicable laws and regulations. “The list you shared with us contains older, generic parts and materials that are not subject to any licensing requirements in connection with export control restrictions or sanctions.”
According to ASML, the machines sold to Chinese chip manufacturers involve “old technology that cannot be used to make the most advanced chips”. The chip machine manufacturer also writes: “Suppliers, such as ASML, cannot assess for themselves whether or not a chip manufacturer in China should fall under an export control regime. National security is a responsibility of governments.”