A US official is heading to Japan following discussions with the Dutch government to strengthen efforts to limit China's semiconductor production capabilities. Alan Estevez, the US export policy chief, aims to build on a 2023 agreement between the USA, Japan, and the Netherlands to prevent China from accessing advanced chipmaking equipment, which could enhance its military.

In 2022, the US imposed restrictions on advanced chip shipments to China, involving companies like Nvidia and Lam Research. Japan followed suit in 2023, restricting exports of 23 types of chipmaking equipment, while the Dutch government began regulating ASML's semiconductor equipment sales to China. Washington is now seeking to add 11 more Chinese chipmaking factories to its restricted list and further control chipmaking equipment.

US officials have had ongoing discussions with allies, including visits to the Netherlands, to prevent ASML from servicing certain equipment in China. While ASML expects to service most of its equipment sold to China, US rules prevent using American spare parts.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.