Japan demands China revoke 'unacceptable' export restrictions

Japan's government has lodged a strong protest against China's newly announced export restrictions on dual-use items targeting Japanese entities. Tokyo has labeled the measures "absolutely unacceptable" and is demanding their immediate revocation.

Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara stated that Japan has "energetically protested and demanded their withdrawal." He added that the government will "comprehensively analyze their impact and take necessary measures." These remarks followed China's Ministry of Commerce placing 20 Japanese entities on a control list and another 20 on a surveillance list.

China claims its actions aim to curb Japan's "remilitarization" and alleged attempts to develop nuclear capabilities. The ministry asserted that Japan "has not reflected or rectified" its actions but has instead "accelerated its remilitarization" and deployed "offensive weapons." Consequently, China decided to implement new measures under its Export Control Law and regulations on dual-use items.

The restrictions affect 20 Japanese entities Beijing claims are involved in activities to "enhance Japan's military capability." Another 20 companies are on a surveillance list because China states it cannot verify the end-user or end-use of the dual-use items. Among those on the control list are the National Institute for Defense Studies, research centers for land, naval, and air systems, and entities linked to Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The surveillance list includes companies like Mitsui E&S, Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel, and Fujitsu Network Solutions.

Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been strained since late 2025, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and justify intervention by its Self-Defense Forces. Since then, China has responded with diplomatic protests, travel warnings, trade restrictions, and criticism of what it perceives as a reinforcement of Japanese military capabilities.