China seeks WTO review of chip export restrictions led by US
- Chinese representative says US, Japan and Netherlands may have ‘violated’ trade body’s principles, according to state television
- Beijing also calls for the WTO to be notified if there is a deal between the countries to limit China’s access to chip-making equipment
China questioned the three countries over the existence of a deal seeking to limit its access to chip-making equipment during a two-day meeting of the WTO’s Council for Trade in Goods in Geneva that concluded on Tuesday.
“Does the agreement exist? If so, should WTO members be notified and should it be reviewed by WTO members?” a Chinese representative asked, adding that no official details had been released, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
The possible deal first emerged in a January statement from Dutch firm ASML, which dominates the market for one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge chip-making equipment. It said an agreement was not finalised but would cover advanced chip manufacturing technology “including but not limited to advanced lithography tools”.
Asked by reporters about the deal in March, Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher said the “details still need to be worked out”.