Wennink criticized the restrictions as driven by ideological stances rather than factual assessments.
THE HAGUE, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Christophe Fouquet, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dutch semiconductor giant ASML, and his predecessor Peter Wennink, have voiced their opposition to U.S. restrictions on ASML's exports of chip-making equipment to China.
In an interview with the German-language business newspaper Handelsblatt on Monday, Fouquet argued against further export restriction, emphasizing that critical chips for the automotive industry are predominantly produced in China.
He stressed that limiting these exports would harm Western interests and urged governments to consider alternative approaches rather than relying solely on export restrictions.
He highlighted the auto industry's urgent need for a large number of chips made using "simpler, long-known technologies," which are largely supplied by China.
Pointing out the insufficient investment in chip factories in the West, he said, "Europe cannot even cover half of its own needs," and "it makes no sense to stop someone from producing something that you need."
Speaking with the Dutch BNR News Radio last week, Wennink criticized the restrictions as driven by ideological stances rather than factual assessments.
"Discussions are conducted not based on content, facts, data, and numbers, but based on ideology," he said.
He underscored ASML's longstanding relationships with Chinese partners, customers, employees, and stakeholders, and their significant contributions to the company's business over three decades.
Wennink expressed concerns about prolonged geopolitical tensions affecting the semiconductor industry, warning that it could take decades before the ideological motivations play out.
"This won't happen overnight, this will take time," he said, pessimistic about the so-called "chip war."
Wennink, who led ASML since 2013 until stepping down in April 2024, has been succeeded by Fouquet. ■
