Japan Semiconductor Export Curbs Slammed

China said on Friday Japan was "harming themselves" with new planned export controls on 23 items used to make semiconductors, following US pressure for countries to restrict Beijing's access to the technology.

"To politicise, instrumentalise and weaponise trade and technology issues is artificially destabilising the global production and supply chain," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, saying Tokyo was "harming others, but they are also harming themselves at the same time."

Japan said manufacturers would need to seek export permission for all regions.

"We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological nation to contribute to international peace and stability," Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura told a news conference.

Japan wants to stop its advanced technology being used for military purposes and does not have a specific country in mind, he said.

The chip measures came on the eve of a trip by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to Beijing, where he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang.

The April 1-2 trip will be the first to China by Japan's top diplomat since December 2019. (Agencies)