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China Imposes New Export Controls, Deepening Japan Row
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Economy & Trade

China Imposes New Export Controls, Deepening Japan Row

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • China added 20 Japanese organizations to an export blacklist, citing their involvement in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.
  • The move escalates a dispute stemming from Japan's suggestion of a military response to an attack on Taiwan.
  • Japan's government called the measures "unacceptable" and demanded their withdrawal, while China accused Japan of pursuing "new forms of militarism."

China has intensified its trade dispute with Japan by placing 20 additional Japanese organizations on an export blacklist. The Ministry of Commerce stated these entities "have participated in enhancing Japan's military capabilities," adding fuel to a months-long row between the two nations.

have participated in enhancing Japan's military capabilities

— Chinese commerce ministryStated reason for adding Japanese organizations to the export blacklist.

The escalating tensions trace back to November when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo might respond militarily to an attack on Taiwan. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, reacted furiously, advising Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. This latest action follows earlier export restrictions imposed in February on dozens of Japanese firms allegedly involved in building up Tokyo's military.

unacceptable and deeply regrettable

— Minoru KiharaJapan's government spokesman, reacting to China's new export controls.

Among the newly blacklisted entities are the National Institute for Defense Studies and Mitsubishi Electric Defense and Space Technologies Corporation. The commerce ministry requires exporters to submit risk assessments and guarantees that dual-use items will not bolster Japanese military strength before shipments. Those listed can seek removal by cooperating with "verification" procedures.

lodged a strong protest and demanded that the measures be withdrawn.

— Minoru KiharaJapan's government spokesman, detailing the country's response to the export controls.

Japan's government spokesman Minoru Kihara deemed the measures "unacceptable and deeply regrettable," lodging a strong protest and demanding their withdrawal. China's commerce ministry spokesperson accused Japan of "straying further down the wrong path, intensifying its push for a 'new form of militarism.'" The dispute also touches on broader geopolitical issues, including Japan's pivot toward a more proactive defense policy, loosened rules on lethal weapons exports, and joint military cooperation with U.S. allies, as well as efforts by Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. to reduce dependence on China for rare earths.

strayed further down the wrong path, intensifying its push for a 'new form of militarism'

— Unnamed commerce ministry spokespersonChina's commerce ministry spokesperson, criticizing Japan's defense policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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