Japan's curbs on chip exports opposed

China expressed strong dissatisfaction on Monday over Japan's export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, hoping Tokyo would prudently make decisions and avoid complicating mutual trust and bilateral ties.

Japan announced on Friday it would tighten exports of 23 types of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment spanning six categories. The rules, which will take effect in July, were seen as a move to artificially impose restrictions on semiconductor cooperation with China.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference that China will evaluate the impact of Japan's policies and will make firm responses if such moves harm China's interests.