JAPAN'S LEADER WELCOMES INVESTMENT, EXCHANGES TO STRENGTHEN COMPUTER CHIP SUPPLY CHAIN

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that investment and international exchanges to strengthen the computer chip supply chain were welcome, as he met with the leaders of top computer chips makers Thursday

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A recent shortage of chips was a sore point for Japan’s manufacturing powerhouses like Toyota Motor Corp., when social restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic crimped supplies, serving as a wake-up call that solid access to production must be ensured.

Computer chips are used in vehicles, mobile phones and an array of other products, and next-generation chips are going to be crucial for artificial intelligence, automated driving systems and other advanced technology.

Japan is eager to strengthen its domestic chip production and remain a technological leader. Analysts say the uncertain future of U.S.-China relations also could put supplies from China at risk.