Japan's Chip Export Controls to China: Unease and Potential Countermeasures

Japan's export restrictions on advanced chip-manufacturing equipment, in line with U.S.-led efforts to hinder China's development of high-end semiconductors for military purposes, have taken effect. The move has triggered a backlash from China, which plans to curb exports of gallium and germanium, two rare earth metals crucial for chip production, next month. The United States had previously implemented export controls on high-end chips, urging Japan and the Netherlands to follow suit. Japan's list of restricted items now includes equipment for cleaning, checkups, and lithography, while the impact on domestic companies is expected to be limited.