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Japan Imposes Microchip Export Ban, Angering China
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((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Japan US China Chip Export Ban
HEADLINE: Japan Imposes Microchip Export Ban, Angering China
TEASER: Tokyo’s move mirrors export controls imposed by U.S., Netherlands aimed at ‘de-risking’ from China, preventing military use
PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 07/26/2023 at 9:15am
BYLINE: Henry Ridgwell
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Tokyo
VIDEOGRAPHER: Henry Ridgwell
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: bill ide, pcd
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA, Zoom, EU, AFP, APTN, Reuters
PLATFORMS: WEB _X_ TV _X_ RADIO _x_
TRT: 2:52
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[Japan imposed export controls on advanced microchip technologies this week, mirroring recent moves by the United States and the Netherlands. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo, the controls are widely seen as targeting China.]]
((NARRATOR))
Japan has listed twenty-three types of semiconductor technology that are now subject to export restrictions.
They include advanced microchip manufacturing equipment – such as machines that deposit films on silicon wafers, to devices that etch out the microscopic circuits of chips.
The move will impact China’s ability to make advanced chips, says analyst Yoshiaki Takayama.
((Yoshiaki Takayama, Japan Institute for International Affairs (in Japanese) ))
((cf. Zoom))
“Because the number of companies with the capacity to manufacture cutting-edge chips is extremely limited, the Japanese measure makes it difficult for China not only to import advanced chips, but also to manufacture them.”
((NARRATOR))
The United States banned the export of some advanced microchips and semiconductor manufacturing technology to China last October. The Netherlands - another key producer of semiconductors – has also imposed export restrictions.
Washington says it wants to stop Beijing from using the technology for military purposes.
At the May G7 summit in Japan, allies agreed on the need to ‘de-risk’ from potential Chinese economic coercion – and avoid becoming reliant on China for semiconductor technologies.
((Yoshiaki Takayama, Japan Institute for International Affairs (in Japanese) ))
((cf. Zoom))
“So, China's advanced semiconductor manufacturing capacity will not grow, at least in the short to medium term. Moreover, today’s scientific progress is largely due to big data analysis and simulations rather than repeated trial and error. So, it seems that China, with its limited access to cutting-edge semiconductors, could fall behind in scientific and technological R&D.”
((OPT OUT))
((NARRATOR))
Japan did not name China as the target of its export restrictions, which apply to 160 countries in total. But Beijing reacted with anger.
((Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson (in Mandarin) ))
“In disregard of China's serious concerns, Japan insisted on making and implementing export control measures that are clearly aimed at China.”
((NARRATOR))
Some in Japan fear Beijing will retaliate.
((Yoshiaki Takayama, Japan Institute for International Affairs (in Japanese) ))
((cf. Zoom))
“Such Chinese measures could be against individual Japanese companies, as in the case of the sanctions against (U.S. chipmaker) Micron, or Beijing might restrict trade with Japan for specific products.”
((OPT IN))
((NARRATOR))
Analysts say it is vital that Western allies coordinate their export controls. The U.S. is expected to update its list of banned semiconductor technologies in the coming weeks.
((Henry Ridgwell for VOA News, Tokyo))
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