Japan is tightening restrictions on the export of advanced processors, cryocoolers for quantum computers, and lithography machines to prevent their usage in military applications. The new policy is set to be enacted in May, and from then on, companies will have to obtain export licenses before selling their high-tech products overseas, reports The Japan Times. In addition, the Japanese government added 42 Chinese companies to its blacklist. China has criticized the move, warning of potential trade disruptions.
The new rules include controls on cryogenic cooling systems essential for quantum computing and processors that could be used in guided missile systems. Japanese officials stress that these measures prevent military use rather than target specific countries. These restrictions follow concerns from the U.S. over re-exports of high-performance Nvidia GPUs for AI to China, even though the report does not explicitly state that Japan will ban re-exports of Nvidia GPUs to other countries.
