European company alleges China of attempting to steal semiconductor technology  

Amsterdam/Beijing: – ASML, a leading company from Europe, claimed that China was trying to steal ‘Trade Secrets’ and ‘Intellectual Property’ from the company. Chinese company DJEL is selling software related to the semiconductor sector and this software is connected to the ASML company. Even in 2019, the Chinese company had attempted stealing Trade Secrets from ASML. Thus, a fine of $840 million was imposed on the Chinese company.   

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Moreover, ASML company from the Netherlands is a leader in the Optical Lithography system sector, used for semiconductors. Using the same technology Intel from the United States, Samsung from South Korea and TSMC from Taiwan manufacture chips smaller than 10nm. These chips are used the most in the military and many other equipments based on advanced technology. Chinese companies are also making efforts to manufacture these chips. But the Chinese companies cannot get the Optical Lithography System from ASML given the US sanctions.  

Therefore, China has started targeting the company in various other ways. China has attempted to steal Trade Secrets and Intellectual Property twice in the last three years. The company published a report a few days ago, clearly mentioning this. Moreover, the company has also warned of legal action if found necessary.   

Furthermore, Chinese company DJEL has denied the accusations and the Chinese media have come out to support the Chinese company. It has been exposed many times that Chinese companies steal technology and trade secrets from foreign companies in the past. But no action could be taken against these companies given the support of the Chinese communist regime. But looking at the current conflict in the semiconductor sector, indications are that the international community will take an aggressive stance on this issue.   

Moreover, China announced the Made in China policy with an ambition to become the world’s technological superpower. It indicated increasing investment in the sectors like technology and robotics through this. While increasing the investment, acquiring huge stakes or taking over foreign companies connected to the sector and having sensitive technology was also being used. But it could not succeed in the semiconductor sector, which is vital to every sector from smartphones to satellites. Chinese companies are even today dependent on countries like the United States, Europe and Taiwan. It is being exposed from the ASML incident that China has now started stealing ‘Trade Secrets’ and ‘Intellectual Property’ from foreign companies.   

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