Japan nixes South Korea proposal for panel over export control rules

Japan rejected on Monday a proposal from South Korea to set up a dispute-resolution panel at the World Trade Organization over Tokyo's tightening of export controls on semiconductor materials, officials involved in the process said.In a meeting of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body, Japan argued that its export controls on South Korea-bound exports of three key materials used to manufacture semiconductors and display panels are allowed under WTO rules due to fears of diversion for military purposes.Japan dismissed South Korea's claim that the measures are politically motivated, the officials…READ FULL ARTICLE