Japan is closely watching China over the export of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With this decision, the Japanese government joins the United States and the Netherlands in curbing the tools for chip making business to Beijing.
Japan Limits Exports of Chipmaking Tools to China
Back in December 2022, Japan finally decided to participate in restricting the export of chipmaking tools to China.
The US, being the main policy regulator behind this campaign, has previously mentioned that Beijing should not have access to high-tech semiconductors because they might be only used for the Chinese military.
Following the latest report by Nikkei Asia, 23 items are added to the list of equipment that will be restricted for export.
The semiconductor battle between the US and China has expanded to the point that even the other countries are affected by it.
The Japanese government cited that prohibiting the export of ammunition and other goods for military purposes falls under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law.
According to Yasutoshi Nishimura, the current minister of economy, trade and industry of Japan, the policy will be effective by July 2023.
As part of stricter plans to limit the export, roughly 160 places will be the part of the list including China. Meanwhile, Japan identifies the US, Taiwan, and South Korea as one of many nations with "adequate export controls" for semiconductors.
Nishimura further adds that the Japanese trade ministry will need to approve "not formally recognized" regions where the goods will be exported.
"We will fulfill our responsibilities in the international community as a technology-owning country and contribute to maintaining international peace and security," the Japanese told the press.
China Opposes Restrictions on Chipmaking Technology
A few weeks ago, the Netherlands issued a statement about the restriction of semiconductor technology for overseas sales. The Dutch government said that it's only doing the job for the sake of the people's security.
Meanwhile, a report by CNN shows that China is not happy about the latest restrictions of semiconductor products. Beijing said that it might be forced to implement "countermeasures" to combat this ruling.
According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Japan's latest action will only lead to destabilization of global industry chains that can potentially harm others.
Japan is popularly known to be a melting pot of electronic gadgets and the most advanced technologies in the world. With this, there are many notable chipmakers in the country including Tokyo Electron and Nikon.
Regarding the recent restriction of semiconductor goods to China, the two companies refused to give their opinion about it.
Meanwhile, The Economic Times reports that China is hopeful that ASML will "maintain its confidence in investing and collaborating" with Beijing amid the sensational curb on chipmaking machines.
