China builds prototype of machine that can produce semiconductor chips: Report
In a significant development, Chinese scientists have successfully built a prototype of a machine that can produce semiconductor chips, according to a report by Reuters. This achievement is a major breakthrough for China, which has been actively seeking to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, particularly in the field of semiconductor manufacturing. The prototype was built in early 2025 with the help of a team of former ASML engineers, who reverse-engineered the Dutch company’s extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) machines.
The news of China’s achievement comes as a surprise, especially given the comments made by ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet in April. Fouquet had stated that China would take “many, many years” to build such technology, highlighting the complexity and challenges involved in developing EUVL machines. However, it appears that Chinese scientists have made rapid progress, leveraging the expertise of former ASML engineers to develop their own prototype.
Semiconductor chips are a crucial component of modern electronics, used in everything from smartphones and laptops to cars and medical devices. The production of these chips requires highly specialized equipment, including EUVL machines, which are capable of creating the tiny patterns and circuits found on modern chips. ASML, a Dutch company, is the leading manufacturer of EUVL machines, and its technology is widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry.
The development of a prototype EUVL machine by China is a significant milestone, as it marks a major step forward in the country’s efforts to become self-sufficient in semiconductor manufacturing. Currently, China relies heavily on imports of semiconductor chips, which can be a significant vulnerability in times of trade tensions or other disruptions. By developing its own EUVL machine, China can reduce its dependence on foreign technology and improve its ability to produce high-quality semiconductor chips.
The use of former ASML engineers to develop the prototype is also noteworthy. Reverse-engineering is a common practice in the technology industry, where companies seek to understand and replicate the technology of their competitors. In this case, the team of former ASML engineers brought their expertise and knowledge of EUVL machines to the project, allowing Chinese scientists to accelerate their development efforts.
The implications of China’s achievement are far-reaching. The development of a domestic EUVL machine industry could have significant economic and strategic benefits for China, allowing the country to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and improve its competitiveness in the global semiconductor market. It could also have major implications for the global semiconductor industry, potentially disrupting the dominance of companies like ASML and Intel.
However, it is worth noting that the development of a prototype EUVL machine is just the first step in a long and complex process. China still faces significant challenges in terms of scaling up production, improving yields, and reducing costs. Additionally, the country will need to develop a robust ecosystem of supporting industries, including semiconductor materials, packaging, and testing.
In conclusion, the news that China has built a prototype of a machine that can produce semiconductor chips is a significant development, marking a major breakthrough in the country’s efforts to become self-sufficient in semiconductor manufacturing. With the help of former ASML engineers, Chinese scientists have made rapid progress in developing their own EUVL machine, leveraging reverse-engineering to accelerate their development efforts. While significant challenges remain, this achievement is an important step forward for China’s semiconductor industry, with far-reaching implications for the global economy and the future of technology.
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