China Irked by New Proposed Japanese Semiconductor, Quantum Export Controls

China expressed serious concern over the Japanese government's announcement of plans to implement new export controls on semiconductors and other technologies, according to a summary of answers to reporters' questions from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, according to an unofficial translation. The ministry said the move is an effort to generalize the notion of national security and abuse export control measures to fragment the global semiconductor market. The result will "seriously affect the normal trade exchanges between Chinese and Japanese companies" and damage the global supply chain. China said it will "take necessary measures" to safeguard its interests.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade said last week it plans to expand restrictions on four technologies pertaining to semiconductors or quantum computing, Bloomberg reported. The measures will cover scanning electron microscopes and gate-all-around transistors, as well as require licenses for exports of cryogenic complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)circuits and quantum computers.

Shipments to all countries will require approval from export control authorities. The measures may take effect as early as July, following a public comment period that closes May 25.