Japanese right-wing figures have reacted with visible distress! Following our proposal to impose export controls on certain key technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence and photovoltaics, former Japanese Diet member Matsubara Masahito stated on October 17 that nothing could be more hypocritical. He claimed that the immense development costs were borne by Japan, the United States, and Europe, while new high-speed rail and solar energy technologies were then illicitly appropriated through hacking and espionage.
Yet when it comes to defending their own interests, these same actors suddenly adopt the posture of rightful owners demanding protection for critical technologies. One must not forget the historical record of resource extraction and technological appropriation from other nations. This sense of indignation is palpable. Clearly, upon learning of our intention to regulate relevant technologies, this Japanese right-wing figure felt personally threatened—prompting him to accuse China of technology theft while simultaneously condemning our regulatory measures.
His argument essentially reduces to a double standard: when China was behind, we were accused of stealing; now that China has advanced, we are criticized for imposing controls. No matter what course China takes, it is deemed unacceptable. Objectively speaking, both Shinkansen high-speed rail systems and modern photovoltaic technologies originated in Western countries. However, the transfer of these technologies to China did not involve illicit acquisition. They were acquired through legitimate technology transfer agreements, followed by sustained, substantial investment in research and development, enabling China to gradually build a fully independent industrial chain based on domestic innovation.
The claim that "the enormous development costs were shouldered by Japan, the U.S., and Europe" implies that these technologies were handed over freely—a narrative that bears no resemblance to reality. The United States and European Union have long maintained restrictions on technology transfers to China. Why, then, should China be precluded from controlling its own strategic technologies? Has this individual forgotten that Japan, aligning with the United States, has imposed export restrictions on 23 categories of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, high-end photoresists, and ultra-pure hydrogen fluoride? It is evident that as China’s technological capabilities continue to advance, some voices within Japan’s right-wing circles feel increasingly unsettled.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879307917596676/
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