Japan restricts chip-making equipment exports to China

The Japanese government will start restricting exports of advanced semiconductor-making equipment to China in the spring after it amends a law to allow for that change, according to Japan’s Kyodo Agency.

The report stated that the amendment would not specifically mention China in an effort to reduce the risk of Beijing retaliation, without mentioning the source of the information.

Confirming earlier media reports, sources told Reuters that Japan and the Netherlands had agreed to join the United States in halting shipments of semiconductor manufacturing equipment made by companies such as Nikon Corp. Advanced chips that can be used to enhance their military power.

However, only Washington has acknowledged the existence of the agreement, and has yet to reveal any details about what equipment the restrictions will cover.