A recent report from a prominent think tank warns that China is targeting strategic sectors in the Netherlands, particularly focusing on Dutch technology companies such as chip equipment maker ASML. The report, based in Hamburg, Germany, alleges that Beijing employs economic statecraft and espionage to create systemic dependency on Dutch technology, thereby advancing its global industrial leadership ambitions.

Dutch firms play a critical role in global value chains, offering China significant influence. For example, ASML produces extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines essential for developing next-generation computer chips. One such EUV machine was observed at the Belgian chip research lab IMEC in March, where it will be used to develop and commercialize future chip technologies.

The report underscores concerns about the pressures applied on ASML and other Dutch strategic industries by China, highlighting the geopolitical and economic implications of Beijing's actions.

Sources