ASML machines can be disabled if China attacks Taiwan, report says

By Steve Goldstein

A published report says sophisticated ASML microchip making equipment being used by Taiwan Semiconductor could be remotely disabled in the event that China attacks Taiwan to regain control of what it says is part of its country.

The report, from Bloomberg News, cites two anonymous sources that said ASML (ASML) reassured the Dutch government of its ability to do so. ASML, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) and the Dutch trade ministry declined to comment on the report.

The report said the ASML machines in question can be remotely shut off via the regular servicing and updates it provides.

ASML is already limited in the types of machines it's able to export to China. This year, it probably will not get the licenses to ship the latest generation of immersion tools to China, CFO Roger Dassen said on its first-quarter conference call.

ASML shares (NL:ASML)slipped 0.6% in Dutch trade.

-Steve Goldstein

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05-21-24 0507ET

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