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The government of Japan, a key node in the global semiconductor supply chain, on Friday announced that it will restrict exports of top-tier computer chip-making equipment to prevent the technologies being used for military purposes.
Though China was not mentioned in the order, the restrictions by Japan, a close U.S. ally, are likely to please the Biden administration, which has stepped up its own campaign to choke off supply of top-end semiconductors to Beijing from high-tech firms in the U.S. and in key allies.
The new Japanese curbs will reportedly take effect in July. Chinese semiconductor firms have been stockpiling needed supplies from Japan ahead of the anticipated export controls. the Financial Times reported.
The action was taken “to prevent our technology from being diverted for military use,” Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told the Kyodo News wire service. “We will fulfill our responsibility in the international community.”
Under the plan, which will become official after a period of public commentary, Japan will make 23 items subject to export restrictions.
The Asahi Daily noted that 42 nations, including democratic chip-making powerhouses South Korea and Taiwan, will be exempt from the restrictions, but China is not.
The Beijing-based Global Times, which has close links to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, shot back within hours at Japan’s move.
“Japan’s willingness to blindly follow the U.S. as its pawn in technology containment toward China may cost it dearly,” the news website warned in an article, accusing Tokyo of “shooting itself in the foot by caving to U.S. pressure on containing China.”
Mr. Nishimuri told a Tokyo press conference that the government “does not have one particular country in mind with these measures,” but U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel hailed the move as a victory, writing, “It’s another win for economic security and secure supply chains.
