KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Dutch machine supplier ASML have developed capabilities to disable their advanced chip-making equipment in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, sources told Bloomberg. This measure, driven by concerns from US officials, aims to protect the sophisticated technology and prevent it from falling into Chinese hands, especially given the geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.
ASML’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines, vital for producing the world’s smallest and most advanced microchip transistors, can be remotely shut off, effectively serving as a “kill switch.” TSMC, ASML’s largest client, would be significantly impacted by any disruptions. The Dutch government has also conducted simulations to assess the risks of a potential invasion, ensuring preparedness for such a scenario. This move aligns with broader US efforts to restrict China’s access to cutting-edge technology and secure semiconductor supply chains.
