Ministry criticizes upcoming trade restrictions from Japan

China has called on Japan to follow international trade rules and refrain from political interference to safeguard independent business operation and fair competition, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The ministry made the comment as Japan's export restrictions on 23 types of chip-related equipment and materials will come into effect on July 23.

Shu Jueting, a spokesperson for the ministry, said certain countries have politicized economic issues and overstretched the concept of national security to intentionally weaken cooperation with China in semiconductors and relates industries.

Such conduct will seriously damage the interests of enterprises on both sides, undermine mutually beneficial and cooperation and impair the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, Shu added.

Shu called on Japan to proceed from their own interests and overall China-Japan economic and trade cooperation, deliver commitments on free trade and market economy and abide by international trade rules.