Recently, the Japanese government announced that it intends to implement export controls on related items in the field of semiconductors, which has aroused widespread attention and discussion around the world. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce of China responded to the incident, saying that China is gravely concerned about this and urging the Japanese side to proceed from the overall situation of bilateral economic and trade relations, correct its wrong practices in a timely manner, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
This is an extremely complex topic. Behind it is the complex interweaving of multiple factors such as geopolitical games, industrial chain competition, and national security. We have to dig deep into the pros and cons to truly understand the underlying logic behind this decision.
1. The geopolitical game of the semiconductor industry
The reason why the semiconductor industry has attracted so much attention is that it has become the "commanding height" of scientific and technological competition in the world today. Semiconductor chips are the indispensable foundation of modern electronic devices, and mastering semiconductor technology means dominating the development of future technologies.
In recent years, the two largest economies, China and the United States, have launched fierce competition in the field of semiconductors. China has vigorously developed its own and controllable semiconductor industry, and has been narrowing the technological gap with the United States. The United States, on the other hand, frequently restricts the export of key technologies such as high-end chips to China, in an attempt to curb China's rise in this field.
Japan's introduction of export control measures this time is undoubtedly also under strong pressure from the United States. As an important ally of the United States in Asia, Japan has always maintained close security and economic cooperation with the United States. When it comes to semiconductor technology, it is difficult for Japan to make decisions independently of the United States.
From a geopolitical perspective, semiconductor technology has become a key area of the U.S.-China game. Japan's move will undoubtedly further intensify this competitive situation and become another "pawn" of the United States to contain China.
Second, the wrestling of industrial chain competition
However, if this decision is read only from a geopolitical perspective, it seems a bit simplistic. We also need to pay attention to the consideration of competition in the industrial chain.
As a highly globalized industry, semiconductors have formed a complex industrial chain. As a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce pointed out, "For a period of time, individual countries have frequently generalized the concept of national security, abused export control measures, artificially fragmented the global semiconductor market, seriously deviated from the principles of free trade and multilateral trade rules, and seriously impacted the stability of global industrial and supply chains."
This approach will undoubtedly have a serious impact on the global semiconductor industry chain. As an important part of the global semiconductor supply chain, Japan itself is not immune to the consequences. The global layout and industrial chain cooperation established by Japanese companies in the semiconductor field over the years will also be seriously affected.
It can be said that Japan's move was not entirely motivated by its own independent will. It is more out of consideration for safeguarding its own interests in the US-China game. Japanese companies are deeply involved in the global semiconductor industry chain, and they need to balance cooperation with Chinese companies and political demands with the United States.
This contradictory situation has forced Japan to make a difficult choice in calculating its interests. Export controls will undoubtedly hurt cooperation with Chinese companies, but failure to do so could result in pressure from the United States.
3. Considerations of the National Security Strategy
In addition to geopolitical games and industrial chain competition, the national security strategy is also an important factor in Japan's export control measures.
As a country that is highly dependent on imports, Japan has always attached great importance to the control of key technologies. As the key foundation for the operation of modern society, the safety of semiconductors is particularly important.
From this point of view, Japan's move may also be out of consideration for safeguarding its own national security. It hopes to prevent the export of key technologies such as semiconductors from being held by other countries, thereby threatening Japan's national interests.
But the problem is that in today's highly globalized world, it is difficult for a single country to develop and manufacture all key technologies completely self-sufficiently. Excessive closure and regulation can be counterproductive and detrimental to technological innovation and industrial development.
This is also the deep reason why the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce pointed out that "for a period of time, individual countries have frequently generalized the concept of national security, abused export control measures, artificially fragmented the global semiconductor market, and seriously deviated from the principles of free trade and multilateral trade rules".
Fourth, the balance of interests of multiple parties
To sum up, there are obviously complex conflicts of interests and considerations behind Japan's introduction of export control measures in semiconductors and other fields.
On the one hand, it needs to safeguard its own interests in the US-China game and ensure the security and controllability of key technologies. On the other hand, we must not excessively damage the cooperative relationship with Chinese enterprises, let alone undermine the stability of the global industrial and supply chains.
It is an issue that requires a balance of interests from multiple parties. If not handled properly, it may backfire, not only hurting the economic and trade relations between China and Japan, but also harming the healthy development of the global semiconductor industry.
Therefore, the attitude of the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce is very clear and resolute. China resolutely safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and will take corresponding measures when necessary. This kind of tough stance highlights the Chinese government's position and determination on this issue.
At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the follow-up actions of the Japanese government. If it really ignores China's demands and blindly pushes forward with this export control measure, it will be strongly countered by China.
As the world's second largest economy, China's influence in the global industrial and supply chain is self-evident. Any attempt to harm China's interests will be met with a resolute response from China.
Therefore, we hope that Japan will take a long-term view and take an open and inclusive approach to this issue. Only by communicating frankly and seeking a win-win situation can we truly maintain the stability of the global industrial and supply chain and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
Today, the development of human society has entered an era of high integration. It is difficult for any country or region to develop independently from the global industrial chain. Only with an open and inclusive mindset and through win-win cooperation can we promote the sustainable and healthy development of human society.
This is also the deep lesson that we should draw from this question.
Fifth, the way out for win-win cooperation
In the face of Japan's export control measures, China's position and attitude are very clear. The statement made by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce not only reflects the Chinese government's firm determination to safeguard the rights and interests of enterprises, but also reflects China's overall consideration of safeguarding its own interests and promoting the stability of the global industrial chain.
In this regard, it is appropriate for China to adopt the following three response strategies:
First, we must resolutely defend our own interests. If Japan insists on promoting this export control, China will take necessary countermeasures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. As the world's second largest economy, China's position and influence in the industrial and supply chain cannot be ignored. Any attempt to harm China's interests will be met with a resolute response from China.
Second, we call on all parties to return to win-win cooperation. China has always been committed to promoting all parties to work together to build an open world economy and opposes any form of "decoupling" and "chain breaking". This is not only China's position, but also in line with the current trend of globalization. Therefore, China will continue to urge Japan to correct its mistakes in its long-term interests and work with China to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
Third, strengthen the capacity of independent innovation. In the face of restrictive measures introduced by Japan and other countries, China must accelerate the independent innovation of key core technologies and enhance its voice and initiative in key fields. This is not only the need to cope with external pressure, but also the only way for China to achieve high-quality development. Only by strengthening and optimizing the independent innovation system can we truly grasp the initiative and occupy a favorable position in the fierce international competition.
In general, Japan's export control measures reflect the current global geopolitical game and technological competition. This is a complex issue that needs to be tackled by all parties, and all parties need to communicate openly and honestly and seek a way out of win-win cooperation with an open and inclusive mind.
Only by achieving this can we truly maintain the stability of the global industrial and supply chains and promote the sustained and healthy development of the world economy. This is not only related to the economic interests of all parties, but also directly related to the long-term development prospects of human society.
Therefore, we call on the Japanese government to proceed from the overall situation, respect the laws of the market, correct wrong practices, and join hands with China and other countries to build an open world economy. Only in this way can we create a better future for human society.