Exclusive: U.S. Secret Service Intervened to Stop Aixtron Sale to Chinese Firm
The U.S. intelligence agencies intervened to stop German chip maker Aixtron from being sold to a Chinese company, Handelsblatt has learned from sources in Germany’s own intelligence services. U.S. authorities alerted Germany’s chancellory that Aixtron products could potentially have military uses. Sources said Washington feared that China could use chips from Aixtron in its nuclear program. Germany’s economics ministry last Friday surprisingly pulled its approval for Aixtron’s takeover by a Chinese investor. It had been speculated since that possible security fears originated from the German side. The chancellor would not comment when contacted by Handelsblatt.