[Tokyo 20th Reuters]-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kazuhide Sugawara, spoke about the bilateral talks South Korea had requested under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement over the review of the operation of export control. "I accept it" and made it clear that the consultation will begin. The schedule was "adjusted through diplomatic routes in the future".
In July, the Japanese government strengthened export controls for three semiconductor materials to South Korea. On the other hand, the Korean side responded that it was “discriminated” in “based on political motives” and moved to accuse it for violating the WTO agreement.
“The Japanese position that reexamination of export control is consistent with the WTO Agreement will not change,” said Susumu Sugawara.
If the bilateral talks based on the WTO agreement are not resolved within 60 days, it will be transferred to a dispute resolution sub-committee (panel).
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(Ritsuko Shimizu)
