Japanese toolmakers scramble to combat dual-use export risk

Fanuc dedicates large staff to task, DMG Mori tracks machines

20231115N Fanuc

Factory robot supplier Fanuc has taken steps to ensure compliance with export controls. (Photo courtesy of Audi)

TORU TSUNASHIMA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japanese suppliers of advanced machine tools such as Fanuc and DMG Mori are working to implement safeguards to counter the risk of sensitive technology being used for military purposes, even as the companies are limited in how much they can do on their own.

A recent Nikkei investigation uncovered evidence that China's main research institution in charge of developing nuclear weapons used a state-of-the-art machine tool manufactured at a Germany subsidiary of Japanese supplier DMG Mori.

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