Japanese Export Restrictions on South Korea Will Not Affect 'Free Trade,' Japan Says
Japan issued statements clarifying its position under its new export restrictions against South Korea, saying certain export conditions will be tightened but others will not be impacted. The measures, which took effect Aug. 28, place restrictions on chemicals -- and other goods -- used to make computer chips and other high-tech products (see 1908020023).
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The restrictions are “the only withdrawal of preferential treatment” granted to South Korea and do “not affect free trade or the global supply chain,” Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said, according to an unofficial translation. “For exports to South Korea, the conditions for using comprehensive licenses will be stricter than before, but special general comprehensive licenses can still be used.”
Japan said exports to South Korea will not be restricted “if there is no concern about diversion to weapons of mass destruction or conventional weapons.” Japan repeated the assertion that the country imposed the restrictions because “South Korea's export control system and operation are insufficient.” But Japan said the move “is not intended to affect Japan-Korea relations, nor is it a 'trade retaliation' that the Korean government claims.”
Japan said it is “ready to resume the dialogue on export control policy if certain conditions are in place, as it has been reported to the Korean side.” The two sides met with China in Beijing in their first such meeting in three years (see 1908160046).