वर्ल्ड अपडेट्स: चीन का सीक्रेट प्रोजेक्ट- सेमीकंडक्टर चिप मशीन का प्रोटोटाइप बनाया; यह इंसान के बाल से हजारों गुना पतले

China has taken a big step towards advanced semiconductor technology. Under a highly confidential project, Chinese scientists in a high-security lab in Shenzhen have prepared a prototype of a machine which is believed to be capable of making advanced semiconductor chips.

According to Reuters report, this prototype was completed in early 2025 and is currently undergoing testing. This machine is as big as the entire factory floor and has been designed by a team of former ASML engineers.

According to the report, this team created this prototype by understanding the Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) machines of Dutch company ASML through reverse engineering.

EUV technology creates extremely fine circuits on chips that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair. Till now only western countries had this technology. This Chinese prototype is capable of producing EUV light, but has not yet been able to create fully functioning chips.

The project is part of President Xi Jinping’s semiconductor self-reliance plan, which was launched about six years ago. This secret project is also being called China’s ‘Manhattan Project’.

Currently, America controls China’s technology and military power by providing advanced chips. If China makes it on its own, America’s ‘Tech Cold War’ strategy will weaken.

China’s military (missiles, drones, AI weapons) may become very strong, which may increase tensions in areas like Taiwan or the South China Sea.

EUV is the most advanced machine for making semiconductor chips, which is used to make the world’s smallest and most powerful chips (such as 7nm, 5nm, 3nm). These chips power smartphones, computers, AI systems and military weapons.

It uses extreme ultraviolet light (EUV light), which has a very short wavelength (13.5 nanometers). With this light, very fine circuit patterns are made on the silicon wafer.

ASML is the only company in the world that manufactures EUV machines, which cost around $250 million. Since 2018, America has put pressure on the Netherlands to ban the sale of these machines to China.

The report claims that the confidentiality of the project is very strict. The engineers involved were given ID cards with fake names and mutual identification was also done with other names.

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Read the updates of December 17 here…