US to expand semiconductor export controls to China

The US administration of President Joe Biden plans to expand the scope of its sweeping semiconductor export controls to China, which are intended to hamper the Asian power’s efforts to develop advanced technologies for military purposes, according to Kyodo News reported.

The plan is intended to match Japan’s updated restrictions, according to the sources, as Tokyo will add 23 devices to its current list starting in July.

Going beyond current US restrictions, Japan’s revised list will include different types of cutting-edge cleaning, lithography and etching equipment needed to produce the most advanced types of chips.

A senior US official is believed to have communicated the plan to Japan and the Netherlands, which could lead to further friction in relations between Washington and Beijing.

The plan comes at a time when the United States and China have agreed to increase communication to high levels after months of heightened tensions between the two countries.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his two-day visit to Beijing on Monday, during which he agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese diplomats on the importance of stabilizing bilateral ties.

Reflecting Washington’s complicated and difficult relationship with Beijing, Blinken’s visit was the first to China by a US secretary of state since 2018.

Xi Jinping urges measures to stabilize and improve China-US relations.

Blinken told a news conference in Beijing at the end of his trip that his “frank” face-to-face talks with Chinese officials had achieved the goals of reducing the risk of misrepresentation and helping to ensure that intense competition between the two largest economies great ones of the world will not veer towards conflict.

Still, with China’s rise in mind, the United States has intensified its efforts to bolster supply chains for semiconductors and other key industrial products with its allies and partners.

After announcing a series of export restrictions on certain advanced computer chips and other related items in October, the Biden administration called on Japan and the Netherlands, where major chip-making equipment makers are based, to cooperate in blocking trade. China’s access to high-tech devices.

The restrictions included a ban on exports to China of products made in other countries with US technology.

China has reacted harshly to the US move, filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization in December accusing Washington of abusing export restrictions under the guise of protecting national security.

In January, Japan and the Netherlands agreed to join the United States in restricting exports of advanced technologies that China could use to develop artificial intelligence and modernize its military capabilities.

After the agreement of the 3 countries, Japan unveiled its additional measures in March, which will take effect on July 23.