The Japanese government announced today its intention to move ahead with restrictions on exports of microchip-making equipment, following a similar announcement by the Netherlands earlier this month that was heavily criticized by China.

“The measure is intended to complete the efforts made to avoid the use of technologies for military purposes,” an official from the export control directorate at the ministry of economy, trade and industry told AFP.

Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is expected to launch a public consultation process for this plan, a ministry spokeswoman said.

The export restrictions are expected to affect 23 types of equipment for making advanced microchips, according to the ministry, which was expected to provide more details to the press later in the day.

The measures are likely to take effect in July, according to Japanese media reports.

Tensions have been escalating in recent years over the strategically important field of microchips, necessary for the manufacture of smartphones, connected cars and even military equipment.

China and the US have been locked in a bitter battle over the manufacture of microcircuits and, in the name of national security, Washington has in recent months multiplied sanctions against Chinese microchip makers.

In the face of US restrictions, China announced at the end of 2022 that it had appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing Washington of endangering supply chains at the international level.

The Netherlands, for its part, has announced it will also move to impose restrictions on the export of electronics manufacturing technology for “security” reasons, following US pressure.

The Chinese government strongly criticized the Dutch government’s decision, which it said was a result of the West trying to maintain its “hegemony”.