ASML and TSMC reportedly have the ability to remotely disable some of the world’s most advanced chipmaking equipment in Taiwan if China were to invade, according to accounts cited by Bloomberg and other outlets.

ASML Holding NV and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. have measures in place to remotely disable chipmaking machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The US government has expressed concerns about the impact of such an attack on the global semiconductor supply chain.

Reports that ASML and TSMC can remotely disable advanced chipmaking equipment in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan highlight how deeply semiconductor technology has become tied to national security.

AMSTERDAM - ASML Holding and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) have ways to disable the world’s most sophisticated chipmaking machines in the event that China invades Taiwan,...

ASML Holding NV and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. have measures in place to remotely disable chipmaking machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The US government has expressed concerns about the impact of such an attack on the global semiconductor supply chain.

TMSC and its Dutch chip machine supplier ASML have made joint plans to remotely disable the machines in the event of an invasion of Taiwan by China.

(Bloomberg) -- ASML Holding and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have ways to disable the world’s most sophisticated chipmaking machines in the event that China invades Taiwan, according to people familiar with the matter.

While an invasion might not alter China’s calculations drastically, Beijing understands that it could lead to TSMC halting production remotely, cutting off access to vital chips, which would ultimately harm China as well.