Japan says no decision yet on curbing chip exports to China

The US imposed sweeping constraints on China’s access to chips and chipmaking equipment last year. PHOTO: REUTERS

TOKYO – Japan has not yet made a decision regarding restrictions on exports of chipmaking equipment, its trade minister said, underscoring the country’s attempts to seek a middle ground between the United States and China.

This week, the Netherlands, home to ASML Holding, said it will curb exports of so-called deep ultraviolet lithography products to China. This adds to restrictions that already exist for the most cutting-edge lithography machines, which are critical to producing the world’s most advanced chips. The rules are expected to be published before the summer, according to a letter sent by Dutch Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher to lawmakers on Wednesday.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said at a regular news conference on Friday that Japan will “consider appropriate measures in the light of developments in the Netherlands”.

“Our understanding is that the Dutch announcement does not target a specific country,” he said.

Tokyo Electron is a key supplier of machines used to make semiconductors, along with US rival Applied Materials.

The Biden administration imposed sweeping constraints on China’s access to chips and chipmaking equipment in 2022, arguing that the moves were necessary to safeguard national security.

China has said the United States’ efforts are counterproductive and an attempt to limit its national development. Beijing has poured billions of dollars into its technology industry, especially in strategic fields like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

“The Netherlands considers it necessary on national and international security grounds that this technology is brought under control as soon as possible,” Ms Schreinemacher said in the letter.

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