Working-level talks between Japanese and South Korean export control officials ran over the intended time frame Friday, highlighting the complexity of the economic spat between the two Asian neighbors in the wake of Tokyo's decision to strengthen export evaluations on three chemicals key to chip and display panel production.
The trade officials spent 5½ hours in Tokyo discussing the issue, which South Korea maintains will hurt its economy.
Japan has said the meeting was merely an opportunity to explain its decision rather than negotiate a retraction, as South Korea is demanding. The meeting — the first since Tokyo's new export controls took effect — was held at Seoul's request.