Diplomatic Tension Over Alleged Illegal Transfer of EUV Technology to China
關於涉嫌非法轉移 EUV 技術至中國而引起的外交緊張局勢
Introduction
The United States government has expressed concerns that ASML Holding NV may have broken export rules, specifically regarding the possible presence of advanced EUV lithography equipment in China.
美國政府表示擔心 ASML Holding NV 可能違反了出口規定，特別是關於中國境內可能存在先進 EUV 光刻設備的問題。
Main Body
The conflict began after meetings between U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and ASML leaders. The U.S. government believes that an EUV system—which is essential for making advanced chips for companies like Apple and Nvidia—might have been illegally sent to China. Although the Commerce Department has not shown a full system, officials claim they have data showing that EUV parts and special transport equipment were shipped. Furthermore, they allege that ASML provided technical help to SwaySure Technology Co., a company on the U.S. restricted list, which could threaten national security.
這場衝突始於美國商務部長 Howard Lutnick 與 ASML 領導層會面之後。美國政府認為，一套對於 Apple 和 Nvidia 等公司製造先進晶片至關重要的 EUV 系統，可能已被非法運往中國。雖然商務部尚未展示完整系統，但官員聲稱他們擁有數據顯示，EUV 零件及特殊運輸設備已被運送。此外，他們指控 ASML 向處於美國限制名單內的 SwaySure Technology Co. 提供技術協助，這可能會威脅國家安全。
In response, ASML has strongly denied these claims. The company asserted that it tracks all its EUV machines through digital connectivity and argued that these machines are too large and complex to be moved in secret. CEO Christophe Fouquet emphasized that the technology is extremely difficult to copy without a physical unit. Additionally, the company stated that it would be commercially foolish to risk its legal status and the 20% of its projected 2026 revenue that comes from legal sales in China.
對此，ASML 強烈否認這些指控。公司堅稱其透過數位連接追蹤所有 EUV 設備，並主張這些設備體積過大且過於複雜，不可能被秘密搬遷。執行長 Christophe Fouquet 強調，若缺乏實體設備，該技術極其困難以複製。此外，公司表示，若冒險損害其法律地位，並損失 2026 年預計收入中 20% 來自中國的合法銷售，在商業上將是非常愚蠢的。
At the same time, U.S. laws are changing. A new bipartisan bill aims to make the rules for ASML and other foreign firms as strict as those for U.S. companies. If this law passes, it would stop the shipment of DUV tools, which would seriously limit ASML's market access. Consequently, the U.S. is also investing in new startups like xLight to find alternative light sources and reduce its dependence on the Dutch company.
與此同時，美國法律正在變動。一項新的兩黨法案旨在使 ASML 及其他外國公司的規範與美國公司一樣嚴格。若此法案通過，將會停止 DUV 工具的運送，這將嚴重限制 ASML 的市場准入。因此，美國也正在投資如 xLight 等新創公司，以尋找替代光源並減少對該荷蘭公司的依賴。
Conclusion
The situation remains a diplomatic deadlock, as ASML continues to deny any wrongdoing while the U.S. government keeps investigating the company's activities in China.
情況依然處於外交僵局，因為 ASML 繼續否認任何違規行為，而美國政府則持續調查該公司在中國的活動。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Nuance Leap': From Simple Facts to Strategic Claims
At the A2 level, you usually say things are true or false. But to reach B2, you must describe how people say things, especially when they are arguing or disagreeing. This is called Hedged Language.
Look at the difference in the text:
- A2 Style: "ASML broke the rules." (This is a fact/accusation).
- B2 Style: "The U.S. government expressed concerns that ASML may have broken export rules."
🔍 Why this matters for your fluency
In professional English, we rarely use 100% certainty unless we have proof. Using words like alleged, possible, or may protects the speaker. It moves you from 'basic conversation' to 'academic/professional discussion'.
🛠️ The B2 Toolkit: Words of Uncertainty
| Word from Article | A2 Meaning | B2 Professional Function |
|---|---|---|
| Alleged | Said to be true | Used when someone is accused but not proven guilty. |
| Asserted | Said strongly | Used to show a company is defending its position. |
| Projected | Guessed for future | Used for business predictions based on data. |
| Potential | Possible | Used to describe a risk that hasn't happened yet. |
💡 The Logic Shift
Notice the phrase: "...which could threaten national security."
Instead of saying "It threatens security," the author uses could. This is a 'bridge' to B2. It transforms a blunt statement into a logical possibility.
Try to stop saying: "I think it is..." Start saying: "It could be argued that..." or "There are concerns that..."