Chinese semiconductor factories have stockpiled hundreds of ASML immersion lithography machines worth billions of dollars, prompting US officials and lawmakers to push for complete export bans on these tools. A Washington research group reported that Chinese fabs acquired an estimated 343 immersion DUV systems by early 2026, with about 270 being ASML's Twinscan NXT:1980i models that can produce advanced chips for AI processors. The authors argue that current export restrictions leave loopholes and recommend a comprehensive China-wide ban on immersion DUV equipment to prevent China from significantly scaling AI chip production.