The Japanese government said it will limit the export of 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aligning its technology trade controls with a US push to curb China's ability to produce advanced chips.
Japan, home to major global chip makers such as Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd, did not specify China as the target of the measures, saying equipment makers would have to apply for export permits for all regions.
"We are fulfilling our responsibility as a nation of technology in contributing to international peace and stability," Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said at a press conference. Reuters, Telegrafi reports.
The Asian country wants to ban the use of advanced technology for military purposes, and does not have a specific country in mind with the measures, he said.
But Japan's decision is seen as a major diplomatic victory by the administration of US President Joe Biden, which in October announced sweeping restrictions on China's access to US chip-making technology in order to slow its advancement in technology and military.
Without the cooperation of industry heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands, the US measures would be ineffective and its companies would face a competitive disadvantage.
Japan and the Netherlands in January agreed to join the US in limiting exports to China of equipment that can be used to make chips below 14 nanometers, but did not announce the pact to avoid provoking China, they had said. Reuters sources early.
China, which has accused the US of being a "technology hegemon" because of its export restrictions, urged the Netherlands "not to follow the export control measures imposed by certain countries".
