ASML Holding(US:ASML) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-29 21:54Core Points - The Netherlands government signaled a desire to negotiate with China regarding ASML, but this was met with a unified hardline stance from the EU, particularly Germany and France, indicating a collective approach to counter China [1][8][24] - China responded firmly to European pressure, stating that if Germany does not ease restrictions on high-tech exports to China, it will not relax its own export controls on rare earths [1][18] Group 1: Semiconductor and Technology Cooperation - In June, the Netherlands announced restrictions on ASML's exports of advanced lithography machines to China under U.S. pressure, severely impacting Sino-Dutch technological cooperation [3] - China retaliated by implementing export controls on critical metals gallium and germanium, essential for semiconductor manufacturing, with over 90% of gallium and 60% of germanium sourced from China [3][5] Group 2: European Industry Impact - The new export controls from ASML took effect on September 1, and by December 1, high-purity graphite was added to the restricted list, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, highlighting Europe's dependency on these materials during its green transition [5][10] - Germany's automotive industry, already suffering from chip shortages, faced production halts, indicating significant distress among major manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen [6][10] Group 3: Political Dynamics and Internal EU Tensions - The EU summit on October 23 marked a turning point, with German Chancellor Merz expressing a desire for a mutually acceptable solution while simultaneously criticizing China's rare earth controls, revealing internal contradictions within the EU [8][10] - France's President Macron suggested the EU should consider all retaliatory measures against China, while the European Commission President indicated readiness to use all available tools, reflecting a unified yet conflicted stance [8][10] Group 4: Economic Realities and Strategic Dependencies - Despite political rhetoric, European industries are increasingly aware of their reliance on Chinese resources, with reports indicating that Germany has submitted a "white list" to China for sectors like automotive and electronics, seeking to restore rare earth supplies [10][18] - The EU's internal discussions reveal a struggle to balance political posturing against the economic realities of dependence on Chinese markets and resources, with many companies reconsidering their supply chains [16][22] Group 5: Broader Implications for Sino-European Relations - The ongoing tensions over semiconductors and rare earths reflect deeper geopolitical and economic struggles, with European politicians exhibiting a duality of wanting to be tough on China while needing to maintain economic ties [20][24] - China's clear stance emphasizes that cooperation must be based on mutual respect and equality, rejecting one-sided benefits while asserting its position in the global supply chain [18][26]