【文/观察者网 柳白】对华出口芯片设备引发美政府震怒后，荷兰光刻机巨头阿斯麦（ASML）竟请缨 做美国在华"耳目"？这一惊人的消息出现在了一本新书《世界上最重要的机器》中。 阿斯麦今天（24日）澄清并否认相关消息，并对观察者网表示，书中内容与事实严重不符，有损公司声 誉，阿斯麦保留采取进一步行动的权利。 据荷兰财经大报《金融日报》（Het Financieele Dagblad）11月20日报道，这本新书由前彭博记者迪德里 克·巴齐尔（Diederik Baazil）和卡甘·科奇（Cagan Koc）合著。两人根据匿名消息来源，记述了近年来 荷兰、阿斯麦与美国之间的数次关键对话，其中就包括发生在2023年的一件往事。 那年1月，荷兰与美国达成了进一步限制对华出口光刻机的协定，禁令于当年9月生效，从2024年起全面 实施。在几个月的过渡期内，美荷双方达成一项"君子协定"：阿斯麦仅被允许向中国交付少量已签约的 深紫外光刻机（DUV），且禁止出售任何新设备。 然而，期间阿斯麦向中国出售的设备数量远超与美国约定的规模，美方发现后震怒不已。 首席执行官温宁克 前阿斯麦 时任美国商务部长雷蒙多立刻致电时任阿斯麦首席执行官 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical role of Zeiss in the semiconductor industry, particularly in supplying high-precision optical components for ASML's EUV lithography machines, which are essential for advanced chip manufacturing [2][4]. Group 1: Zeiss's Dominance in the Semiconductor Industry - Zeiss supplies approximately 80% of the optical components used in chip manufacturing globally [4]. - The long-term collaboration between Zeiss and ASML dates back to the DUV lithography era, allowing them to outperform competitors like Nikon and Canon [4]. - Zeiss's optical components are indispensable for ASML's lithography equipment, used in various applications from automotive to consumer electronics [4]. Group 2: Technological Superiority and Challenges - Zeiss has accumulated over 1,500 patents related to EUV technology, creating a significant barrier for other companies attempting to manufacture EUV lithography machine optics independently [5]. - The precision of Zeiss's manufacturing is highlighted by the fact that if their optical components were scaled to the size of Germany, the flatness error would still be within 0.1 millimeters [4][5]. - Zeiss has established a high-cleanliness factory to ensure the manufacturing quality of its core components, significantly reducing airborne particles [5]. Group 3: Global Collaboration and Supply Chain - The development of EUV technology is a result of global collaboration, supported by various stakeholders including American capital, the German government, and the EU [5]. - The supply chain for EUV lithography involves over 1,200 suppliers worldwide, showcasing the importance of global division of labor and resource integration in the semiconductor industry [5]. Group 4: Geopolitical Implications and Local Developments - In light of geopolitical tensions, regions like China are reconsidering their reliance on global supply chains and are exploring paths toward self-reliance and domestic development [6]. - Taiwanese optical manufacturers are making strides in areas like smartphone lenses and medical devices, although achieving the precision required for lithography optics remains a significant challenge [6]. - The article suggests that a dual approach of global collaboration and independent technological development is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the semiconductor sector [6].