Reuters was first to report that Japan’s trade ministry is ready to back Western Digital’s bid to merge with memory chipmaker Kioxia provided that control of cutting-edge technology stays in Japan. The tie-up could give Japan greater leverage in geopolitical rivalries increasingly dominated by technology, including over shortages of chips. It could also help Japan forge deeper semiconductor industry ties with its U.S. ally, a commitment that President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Suga made in April. 

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