The U.S. has urged allies such as Japan to get in step with the U.S. as soon as possible on U.S. regulations imposing restrictions on exports of cutting-edge semiconductors to China. Experts believe that Japan will choose to cooperate with the US regulations, and the Japan-China trade project will not be greatly affected, but China's emotional reaction is worrying.
According to the Voice of America report, the United States asked allies to introduce cutting-edge semiconductor export restrictions on China. U.S. Commerce Secretary Raimondo said, "Japan and the Netherlands may follow us", planning to target these two countries to pressurize, urge to maintain the relationship with the United States as soon as possible In step.
Japan produces about 15 percent of the world's semiconductors and is particularly good at making production lines for cutting-edge wafers. China has long been an important market.
Cai Xixun, a professor at Tamkang University’s Master’s Program in Japanese Political and Economic Studies, said that the “Second Budget for 2022”, which will be decided by Japan’s cabinet meeting this month, will be about 350 billion yen (S$3.364 billion) for the preparation of the next-generation research base for China-Japan-US cooperation. ), the production base of advanced products supports about 450 billion yen, which shows that Japan expects factories in overseas bases to break away from dependence on China.
He said: "In the post-Abe (era) international order, semiconductors are not only a consideration for security or economic interests. In order to expand a presence in the world, Japan is bound to cooperate with the United States in an attempt to regain the dominance of semiconductors and prevent China from gaining An advantage of semiconductors.”
Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasunori Nishimura said at a press conference on November 1 on the control of China's exports, "I am communicating with the United States and will listen to the opinions of domestic companies based on the communication situation."
In 2021, the trade volume between Japan and China will reach US$371.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.1%. China imported 205.5 billion US dollars from Japan, an increase of 17.7%. For the limited business opportunities in China, which has a huge market, many related companies in Japan are evaluating the impact on business in detail.
Japan is also observing the movement of the EU and South Korea on the U.S. restriction and ban. Among them, South Korea’s semiconductor exports to China account for 60% of its own semiconductor exports, and Samsung Electronics has a semiconductor factory in China. Analysts believe that South Korea, which has previously considered China and the United States and maintained a balanced diplomacy, will face difficulties in choosing sides.
