Photo:VCG

China is highly concerned over Japan's move on the issue of semiconductor export controls to China, and hopes that Japan will earnestly abide by the spirit of international rules, according to a statement on the official website of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Wednesday.

It is hoped that Japan can provide enterprises with a fair, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment, while maintaining China-Japan economic and trade cooperation, the statement read.

The statement was made during the 16th China-Japan Economic Partnership Consultation, which was conducted via video and co-chaired by Li Fei, Assistant Minister of Commerce, and Keiichi Ono, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Relevant departments of both countries also attended the meeting.

The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on topics such as the macroeconomic situation, stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, trade and investment, green and low-carbon, medical and health care, as well as multilateral and regional cooperation, read the MOFCOM statement.

They also exchanged views on preparations for the China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue.

In January, it has been reported that the Netherlands and Japan, two of the world's leading manufacturers of advanced equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, have agreed to join the US in barring some shipments of their most high-tech machinery to China.

However, no details have been made public yet.

The China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) on February 15 strongly protested reported chip export restrictions on China, warning about serious harm to the domestic and world economies, and calling for a united global effort to maintain supply chain stability.

"If the move becomes reality, it will cause serious harm to the semiconductor industry in China, with detriment to the global economy, as well as long-term damages to the interests of consumers worldwide," the CSIA said in a statement.

Many global semiconductor giants have a significant presence in China. Tokyo Electron, a major supplier of chip-making equipment along with the US' Applied Materials and the Netherlands' ASML, has said that China is a very important market for the company, accounting for over a quarter of its annual revenues.

Global Times