Japan may file a complaint with the World Trade Organization if China refuses to allow it to join China-U.S. talks on a trade dispute over semiconductor products, a senior trade ministry official said Monday.
"Should the U.S.-China talks exclude Japan or put it in a disadvantageous position, Japan may act independently," Vice Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Seiji Murata told a news conference.
Japan has informed the United States, China and the WTO of its desire to take part in the China-U.S. talks as a third party.
Under WTO rules, a third country or group of countries can declare it has an interest in a dispute and present its opinion.
The European Union has decided to take similar steps. Participation by Japan and the EU will require China's approval.
The U.S. is taking issue with a 17 percent value-added tax China places on semiconductor products and rebates of between 11 percent and 14 percent on domestically produced semiconductors, saying these practices give Chinese producers an unfair advantage.
China has already agreed to open talks with the U.S. over the issue at the WTO.
Murata said Tokyo has yet to receive a response from China.
"Being barred from participating as a third party by China does not necessarily mean we will soon take action," Murata said.
Citing an official of China's Commerce Ministry, Xinhua News Agency reported Monday that China is considering whether to allow Japan and the EU to join the talks.