China says strengthens controls on dual-use exports to Japan

• Export Ban: Beijing has prohibited the export of all dual-use goods—items with both civilian and military applications—to Japan, effective immediately, citing national security concerns.
• Diplomatic Fallout: The trade restrictions follow Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential military intervention in Taiwan, a stance China condemned as a "gross interference" in its internal affairs.

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Tuesday a comprehensive ban on the export of dual-use goods to Japan, marking a significant escalation in the deteriorating relationship between the two Asian powers.

The ministry clarified that the measure, which covers products capable of serving both civilian and military purposes, is effective as of Tuesday. The move follows months of friction fueled by shifts in Japan's defense posture regarding Taiwan.

Tensions Over Taiwan Policy

Diplomatic relations soured significantly in November after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Tokyo might intervene militarily should Beijing use force against Taiwan, which China claims as a province.

In a statement released Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce accused Japanese officials of making "erroneous remarks" regarding the Taiwan Strait. "This constitutes a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and a serious violation of the One China principle," the spokesperson said, describing the potential consequences as "extremely negative."

Scope of the Export Restrictions

While the ministry did not provide an itemized list of banned products, China typically classifies sensitive technologies—including biotechnology, aerospace components, and advanced telecommunications—as potential dual-use goods subject to export controls.

"China has decided to prohibit the export of all dual-use goods intended for military use by Japanese military end-users, as well as for any other end-user contributing to the enhancement of Japan’s military capabilities," the statement read.

Economic and Military Retaliation

The export ban is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures from Beijing. Previously, China issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid Japan, leading to a sharp decline in Japanese tourism revenue in November.

The trade move also follows a dangerous military encounter in early December, when Tokyo summoned Beijing’s ambassador after Chinese warplanes reportedly locked their radars onto Japanese fighters near Taiwan.

Following large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in late December, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that "reunification" is "unstoppable." Beijing continues to demand that Prime Minister Takaichi formally retract her statements to prevent further economic or diplomatic decoupling.