By Le Figaro with AFP
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The Chine asked the United States, Japan and the Netherlands to “clarifier» the existence of an alleged agreement between them aimed at restricting exports of semiconductors in a context of technological rivalry, state media reported Wednesday. In recent years, Washington has blacklisted Chinese companies to cut them off from the supply chains of American technologies, including the most advanced chips, and in recent weeks has tightened restrictions on the export of semiconductors.
The Netherlands, the leading producer of these essential components for the manufacture of microprocessors, took last month a similar measurewhile Japan plans to do the same. China, which seeks to become self-sufficient in semiconductor design, believes the moves are aimed at maintaining US supremacy in this area.
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During a meeting Monday and Tuesday at the World Trade Organization (WTO), China expressed concern about a “agreement between the United States, Japan and the Netherlands to restrict chip exports”, reported the public television CCTV. China asked these countries to say whether such an agreement “existbetween them and, if this is the case, tonotifyto the members of the WTO so that theyexamine it».
In the name of the “national security“Washington had announced in October 2022 new export controls to limit Beijing’s purchase and manufacture of high-end chips”used in military applications“. Faced with these restrictions, China had filed a procedure with the WTO.
At a time when Washington is stepping up its blows against Beijing, the Chinese internet regulator announced on Friday to launch proceedings against US tech giant Micron. The measure must make it possible toreview» the products of the manufacturer of electronic components and to prevent possible «risks» pour «national security“, justified the Chinese regulator. This decision raises fears of a retaliatory measure that could be extended to other American companies in the sector.