Japan to explain position on export curbs at WTO

Jul 24, 2019 | News On Japan

Jul 24, 2019 (NHK) - Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says Japan will explain its reasons for placing tighter exports controls on South Korea at a meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council.

The WTO General Council is scheduled to discuss the issue starting on Tuesday in Geneva at a meeting requested by South Korea.

Japan has imposed tighter restrictions on key high-tech items such as those used to make semiconductors.

Suga told reporters on Tuesday that Japan's review of export regulations is necessary to manage technology control systems for the purposes of national security.

He said such controls are recognized by the WTO, and do not violate the principle of free trade or the G20 leaders' declaration.

Suga said Japan intends to thoroughly explain its position to the world body.

Speaking to reporters, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry minister, Hiroshige Seko, gave a similar view of Japan's stance on export controls.

Seko added that leaks by South Korea to local media after working-level talks on July 12 were extremely disappointing and have undermined trust.

He said the first step forward is for Seoul to confirm the facts pertaining to the meeting, sort them out and make corrections.

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