Chinese chipmakers turn to Japanese counterparts to bypass tightening export controls

Chinese chipmakers are participating in group tours to network with Japanese counterparts amid increasingly strict export controls imposed by the US and its allies. The tours provide access to Japanese chip companies and semiconductor trade fairs, such as Semicon Japan and Nepcon Japan, the FT reports. Chip Think Tank, a consulting firm backed by Tianfeng Securities, is offering an eight-day trip in January to explore Japan's semiconductor equipment and materials industry. The trip includes a trade show ticket and visits to more than 10 Japanese chip industry players. These networking tours have gained popularity as Chinese chipmakers seek ways to cope with Washington's tightening of export controls aimed at curbing China's advances in semiconductor technology.