The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the introduction of export restrictions on dual-use goods targeting 20 Japanese entities. The sanctions hit industrial giants such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Beijing justifies the decision as necessary to curb Japan's alleged "remilitarization" and protect national security. This move marks a sharp escalation in the months-long diplomatic dispute between the Asian powers, set against the backdrop of Taiwan security issues.

Blockade of Dual-Use Goods

China has halted the export of products and technologies that can serve military purposes to 20 Japanese entities.

Targets: Mitsubishi and Kawasaki

The sanctions hit key pillars of Japan's defense and aviation industry, including divisions of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Extraterritorial Nature of Sanctions

The ban also covers the re-export of Chinese components through third countries and trade intermediaries.

Context of Taiwan Disputes

Beijing's actions are a reaction to statements by the Japanese government about a possible intervention in defense of Taiwan.

The Chinese government has taken drastic trade measures by imposing a ban on the export of dual-use materials and technologies to key Japanese enterprises linked to the defense sector. The sanctions list includes 20 entities, including subsidiaries of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries conglomerates. Additionally, Beijing is monitoring the activities of other entities in the technology sector for compliance with new licensing requirements. Beijing accuses these institutions of directly supporting Japan's military potential, which it terms "remilitarization" and Tokyo's "nuclear ambitions." The restrictions have an extraterritorial character, meaning they cover not only direct exports from China but also the transfer of components of Chinese origin through third countries. Experts indicate that this move is a direct reaction to the Liberal Democratic Party's victory in the recent elections and the hawkish policy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who defined Taiwan's security as crucial for regional stability and announced a significant strengthening of Japan's deterrence potential. This situation has already caused a collapse in Chinese tourism to Japan and threatens serious disruptions to global high-tech supply chains. Sino-Japanese relations have remained tense since the end of World War II, with an additional flashpoint being the territorial dispute over the Senkaku (Chinese: Diaoyu) Islands and the interpretation of Japan's pacifist 1947 constitution. Parallel to the tensions on the Beijing-Tokyo line, the international community is observing with concern the legal vacuum following the expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026, while the US unsuccessfully calls on China to engage in arms control talks. Washington accuses China of a rapid and non-transparent expansion of its nuclear arsenal, demanding Beijing's inclusion in new regulatory frameworks. China refutes these accusations, claiming its nuclear policy is purely defensive and not aimed at an arms race. „China opts to restrict the export of dual-use goods to these entities to curb Japan's remilitarization and protect regional peace.” — Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China The embargo on rare earth metals and advanced electronic components could hit Japan's aviation and maritime programs. Beijing has announced that the list of entities subject to restrictions will be monitored and may be expanded if Tokyo does not change its political course regarding Taiwan.

Mentioned People

  • Sanae Takaichi — Prime Minister of Japan, accused by Beijing of pursuing the country's remilitarization.