According to the Yonhap News Agency, on the morning of December 16th, Japan and South Korea ’s trade management departments held a director-level talks on Japan ’s restrictions on South Korea ’s export trade in the office of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Conduct a policy dialogue on export management of strategic commodities.

Lee Hao-hyun, Trade Policy Officer of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Resources, and Iida Yoichi, Minister of Trade Management of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, attended the talks. The topics of the talks were: 1. Management status of sensitive technologies; 2. Export control and operation of the two countries; 3. Future development directions. At the center of the discussion will be whether to export controls on lending in Japan.

The Japanese government tightened export restrictions on three key semiconductor materials in South Korea in July this year, including fluorinated polyimide, photoresist, and etching gas. You must apply for a permit from the Japanese government to export. The Japanese government claims that since it has not fully communicated and exchanged views with South Korea on export management issues for at least three years, its relationship of trust with South Korea has been damaged, and inadequate export controls and export audits on possible transfers to conventional weapons materials have been undermined. Due to the vulnerability of the system and personnel, the preferential treatment for South Korea was cancelled.

Although South Korea ’s Lee Hao-hyun ’s trade policy officer did not give an interview before the meeting, when he arrived at Japan ’s Haneda Airport yesterday, he told the press team that he would actively explain to Japan the rationality and effectiveness of South Korea ’s export management system in order to eliminate Japan ’s injustice. trust.

The China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting is scheduled to be held in Chengdu from December 23 to December 25. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold a tripartite talks. The talks at the director level between Japan and South Korea's trade management departments also warmed up for the China, Japan and South Korea leaders' meeting.

Previously, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroyuki Kojiyama publicly stated that once South Korea takes appropriate action, Japan will resolve its own export control. But there are also reports that the Japanese government will not withdraw the restrictions immediately.