Nikkei-Gov't Considering Enhanced Export Controls On Military-Related Tech

Nikkei is reporting that the Japanese gov't "...is considering enhancing export controls targeting technologies that could be used for military purposes...responding to a recent report that advanced Japanese machine tool technology is being used for China's nuclear weapons program."

• Nikkei: "We plan to make sure companies are doing what they need to do to prevent the military application" of dual-use technologies, said a representative from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's trade control department."
• Earlier in 2023, Japan joined with the US and Netherlands in agreeing torestrict the export of equipment used to make high-tech microchips, in a Washington-led effort to limit the ability of China to upgrade its military capabilities.
• The report of enhanced export controls on tech comes at a time when the gov't isbelieved to be mulling looser restrictions on the export of lethal weaponry, which remains severely limited by Japanese law. There has been particular pressure among Japan's G7 allies to loosen these laws to allow Tokyo to provide lethal military equipment to Ukraine.