Japan's government is working on semiconductor export controls following actions by the United States that impose severe restrictions on exports to China.

Washington announced in October that it would adopt restrictions on exports to China of advanced semiconductors and manufacturing equipment that can be applied to the development of weapons of mass destruction and advanced military systems.

Representatives of Japan and the Netherlands are said to have met with their US counterparts in Washington this past week. Both countries are leaders in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Details of the meeting have not been revealed, but restrictions on exports to China are believed to have been discussed.
Japan controls exports of industrial products under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

Approval by the country's trade minister is required to export goods that can be applied to military use.

The government will decide which specific items should be restricted with due consideration to the impact on Japanese manufacturers and likely Chinese reactions.