Industry minister notes cooperation with 'allies' over export controls

Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun on the far right [YONHAP]

Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun on Wednesday pointed out Seoul's policy direction toward cooperation with "allies" over the issue of export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

In a meeting with reporters, Ahn also noted Korea's ongoing efforts to "stabilize" the trade partnership with China, at a time when Washington has been seeking to rally its allies and partners behind its technology export and investment curbs against China.

"Basically when it comes to the overall direction toward cooperation with our allies, we are moving in the same direction," Ahn said upon arrival at Dulles International Airport near Washington.

"In light of stabilizing relations with China, we have also been making efforts to stabilize the relationship as much as we can in terms of industrial ties and trade relations," he added.

In addition, Ahn cautioned against "excessive" export controls that could trigger "problems."

Amid an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry, the United States has been pursuing a stricter export control regime to prevent cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors and quantum computing, from being transferred to potential adversaries.

Yonhap