Following the US and the Netherlands, Japan also restricts exports of chip technology to China

Japan will further restrict technology exports for chip manufacturing. Japan’s Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura announced this on Thursday. Nippon News reported. From now on, Japanese companies will need a license to export 23 types of supposedly sophisticated products.

The decision comes after the United States and the Netherlands previously restricted the sale of advanced semiconductor technology to China. According to Nishimura, the new move was not taken in consultation with the Americans. He emphasized that the new export restrictions apply to all markets, not just China. Tokyo Electron, a major supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, will come under the restrictions.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi’s visit to China is scheduled for Saturday. In his own words, he wants an “honest and open discussion” with his Chinese partner in order to establish a “constructive and stable relationship”. Recent moves by the United States and the Netherlands to restrict the supply of high-end chip technology to China are fueled by fears of Chinese development of quantum computers, artificial intelligence and wireless networks. Can be used for military purposes.

Earlier this year, the Dutch cabinet decided to extend export restrictions to chip machine maker ASML. The company, which is the world’s leading maker of chip manufacturing machines, is no longer allowed to sell certain versions of its devices to China. ASML has not been allowed to export the latest generation machines to China for many years.