Reuters reported that Japan intends to curtail exports of 23 types of machinery used in semiconductor manufacturing to China in the near time. Earlier, Washington took measures to restrict China’s ability to produce the highest-end chips and Japan quickly followed suit.
Nikon Corp. and Tokyo Electron Ltd are the largest chip manufacturers operating nowadays in Japan. However, Japan’s authorities believe that the leading chip developers have to apply for permission to export their products. "We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological nation to contribute to international peace and stability," Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura told a news conference.
Japan’s government intends to stop the use of domestic advanced technologies in the military sector, the official underscored. “We don’t have one specific country in mind with these measures,” the minister added but admitted that China’s interests would be affected.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defined this stance as "Politicising, instrumentalising, and weaponising economic and technological issues”.
Japan is ready to introduce export restrictions on 6 categories of chipmaking tools. As a result, Chinese firms will be barred from a plethora of innovative products manufactured in Japan.
Experts acknowledge this move to be a huge success for the US. In 2022, the White House imposed sweeping restrictions on chipmaking tool exports to China. The aim is to prevent Beijing from abusing advanced semiconductor technology. The ban is expected to retard technological and military progress in China.
The White House teamed up with industry heavyweights in Japan and the Netherlands. In January 2023, these countries decided to ally with the US in restricting exports of cutting-edge equipment to China. In response, China accused the US of "tech hegemony" and called on the Netherlands to revise its decision.
