Cutting-edge 5-axis machine tool: Possibility of diversion to CAEP in China
– Why couldn’t you prevent the diversion of your products?
-Did China divert 63 machine tools to nuclear development?
We will provide you with a summary of articles published in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun morning edition (November 8th)
There was an article entitled, “63 machine tools regulated by Japan, the United States, and Europe may be diverted to China’s nuclear development.”
National institutions for China’s nuclear weapons development:
It has been discovered that China may have acquired advanced technology from Japan, the United States, and Europe.
1. Why couldn’t the diversion of products be prevented?
2. Will 63 machine tools be used for nuclear development?
China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP):
The China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP) is responsible for China’s nuclear weapons development.
From 2022 onwards, there is a possibility that at least 140 projects will be diverted to nuclear development.
63 examples of repurposing machine tools:
Of these, there were 63 cases of repurposing of machine tools.
DMG Mori Seiki’s 5-axis machine tools:
DMG Mori Seiki produces state-of-the-art 5-axis machine tools at its German factory. This was included.
Repurposing Japanese and German “important technologies”:
Machine tools that can machine complex parts are called “mother machines.”
Development of numerical control (CNC) equipment:
Developing numerical control (CNC) equipment, which is the brain, is extremely difficult.
Japan and Germany maintain high competitiveness in the world.
CNC equipment is subject to export regulations:
CNC equipment is subject to export controls to prevent unauthorized use for military purposes.
DMG Mori Seiki sales destination:
DMG Mori Seiki explained, “The product was exported to a company other than CAEP for civilian use.”
1. Exporting CNC equipment for consumer use is legal.
2.However, it is not possible to trace what happened after the product was exported to China.
There is a possibility that a Chinese company resold the CNC equipment.
U.S. Department of Commerce’s embargo list:
In 1997, the U.S. Department of Commerce published an embargo list to prevent civilian technology from being diverted to military use.
1. US embargo list: CAEP is the first to be embargoed.
2. Japan’s embargo: Based on the Foreign Exchange Law, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has restricted export targets.
Chinese companies repurpose technology:
There are many cases in which Chinese companies purchase equipment for resale (dummy) and then pass on the technology.
There are differences in the implementation of export controls between Japan and the United States. China’s diversion is the worst example.
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQODB07AHS0X01C23A1000000/
DMG Mori Seiki: 5-axis machining from the basics
What is 5-axis machining?
This machine has two rotational and tilting axes added to the three linear axes, XYZ.
Flexible machining is possible using 2 rotating and tilting axes.
Features of DMG Mori Seiki 5-axis processing machine:
By adding a rotating axis, you can process many parts at once.
Depending on how he uses the plus two axes, his work can be roughly divided into two types of processing.
https://www.dmgmori.co.jp/sp/5axis/
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Considering strengthening export controls
-To prevent technology leakage and military diversion
We will provide you with a summary of articles published in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Strengthening export control
Responding to the increasing risk of military diversion of important technologies. Consider strengthening export controls.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun survey:
It has been revealed that machine tools made by a Japanese company may be being used by China’s nuclear weapons development agency.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Trade Control Department
”I would like to confirm the efforts of companies to prevent military diversion,” he said.
He commented, ”Considering a review of the Foreign Exchange Act-related system.”
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA106VI0Q3A111C2000000/