Japan to restrict some equipment exports

Japan's government says it plans to put restrictions on some computer chip-making exports, following similar moves by the US and the Netherlands.

The measures will apply to 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Semiconductors, which power everything from mobile phones to military hardware, are at the centre of a bitter dispute between the US and China.

China has frequently called the US a tech hegemony in response to export controls imposed by Washington.

However, today's statement from Japan's trade and industry ministry did not make any reference to China or the US.