China Imposes Export Controls on Japanese Companies Amid Rising Tensions
China has placed 20 Japanese companies on an export control list and another 20 on a watchlist. This move follows ongoing tensions regarding Japanese leadership’s comments on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory.
Strict Bans on Dual Use Goods
According to China’s Commerce Ministry, Chinese exporters are now banned from selling “dual use” goods to 20 specific Japanese companies. These are items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The targeted companies include several subsidiaries of:
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Shipbuilding, aircraft engines, and maritime machinery)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries
- Fujitsu
The ministry stated that foreign organizations and individuals are also prohibited from providing Chinese made dual use items to these 20 entities. All related activities must stop immediately.
New Requirements for the Watchlist
A second list includes 20 additional Japanese companies, such as Subaru Corporation, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, and the Institute of Science Tokyo.
For these firms, Chinese exporters must now:
- Submit individual export license applications.
- Provide risk assessment reports.
- Submit written pledges that the items will not be used by Japan’s military.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry described these measures as “legitimate, reasonable, and legal,” claiming the goal is to limit Japan’s military and nuclear expansion.
Impact on Trade and Diplomacy
China clarified that these restrictions only target a small number of entities and specific dual use products. Officials stated the move will not affect normal trade, and law-abiding Japanese businesses have no reason to worry.
However, the timing is significant. Tensions have remained high since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan might intervene if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any foreign support for its sovereignty.
With Prime Minister Takaichi’s party recently winning a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, she is expected to continue her conservative shift in Japan’s security and immigration policies.
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