China blacklists 20 Japanese entities over dual-use exports, citing Tokyo's remilitarisation
Beijing imposed immediate export restrictions on 20 Japanese entities, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and a defence think tank, accusing Tokyo of pursuing a 'new type of militarism'.
The announcement
On Monday, China's commerce ministry added 20 Japanese entities to its export control list for dual-use items, effective immediately. The ministry said the move was to "preserve national security and interests" and to uphold non-proliferation obligations, citing Japan's "remilitarisation" and "new type of militarism" as well as its nuclear ambitions. The restrictions prohibit Chinese exporters from selling dual-use goods, software, or technology to the listed entities, and bar any foreign organisation or individual from transferring Chinese-origin dual-use items to them.
China's lawful action of listing only targets a small number of Japanese entities, the relevant measures apply only to dual-use items, which does not affect the normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan.
Entities targeted
The blacklisted organisations include the National Institute for Defence Studies, a think tank of Japan's defence ministry, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Also named were subsidiaries of Komatsu and Fujitsu, among other specialised technology firms that provide components and engineering support to Japan's defence sector. The ministry described the entities as having participated in strengthening Japan's military capabilities.
Watchlist and conditions
In a parallel action, the ministry placed another 20 Japanese entities on a watchlist, citing an inability to verify the end users or final use of dual-use items exported to them. While trade with watchlisted entities is not outright banned, Chinese exporters must submit a risk assessment report and a written commitment that the items will not be used to enhance Japanese military strength.
Strained ties
Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated since late 2025, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks on Taiwan that Beijing deemed sensitive, and Tokyo announced an increase in defence spending. China began imposing export controls on dual-use items in January 2026, and Monday's action marks a further escalation in the economic pressure campaign.
- Ties strain after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks and defence spending increase
- China begins imposing export controls on dual-use items
- China adds 20 Japanese entities to export control list and 20 to watchlist
Reaction
Japan's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Chinese commerce ministry sought to reassure law-abiding Japanese entities, saying those operating "in good faith" need not worry.
