Japan Releases New Tech Export Controls; China Expresses Opposition
Japan last week announced new export controls on semiconductor-related items and other sensitive technologies, according to an unofficial translation of a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry notice. The items will need export licenses when destined to certain countries “if there is a risk that they will be used for the development of conventional weapons, etc.,” Japan said. Exemptions will apply for certain exports of goods involving “allied nations' forces for joint training” activities.
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The notice includes an attached Japanese-language document with the new restrictions. A draft version of the controls sought to cover exports of certain advanced chips, lithography equipment and cryocoolers needed to make quantum computers, the Japan Times reported in February.
China’s Commerce Ministry criticized the controls, saying it “firmly opposes” Japan’s decision to restrict more than a dozen semiconductor-related items.
The restrictions “will seriously interfere with normal business exchanges between enterprises and damage the interests of enterprises in both countries,” a ministry spokesperson said April 3, according to an unofficial translation. “We hope that Japan will maintain rational decision-making, correct wrong practices in a timely manner, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises from all countries, including Chinese and Japanese enterprises, and maintain the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain.”
The spokesperson added that Beijing will “take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”