TAIPEI – In a significant escalation of tensions, China has imposed new export controls on 40 Japanese entities, alleging their involvement in Japan’s “remilitarization.” This move comes as relations between China and Japan become increasingly strained, particularly following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military intervention in Taiwan.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced that 20 Japanese entities, including major players like Mitsubishi Corporation, have been placed on a control list. This list prohibits the sale of dual-use items—goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes—to these companies by Chinese and foreign exporters.
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Furthermore, an additional 20 entities have been added to a watch list, including Mitsui E&S, which manufactures engines and other equipment for ships, as well as divisions of Fujitsu and Komatsu corporations. Exporters to these companies will now be required to apply for special licenses and submit risk assessments, ensuring that dual-use items are not diverted for military purposes.
China’s Commerce Ministry stated, “China’s measures are entirely justified, reasonable, and lawful. They are aimed at firmly deterring Japan’s reckless pursuit of ‘new militarism.’” The statement also urged Japan to reflect on its past actions and correct its course.
Tensions have been rising since Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks last year, which suggested Japan might intervene in a potential conflict involving Taiwan. Japan has been reinforcing its military capabilities, which includes deploying longer-range missiles to remote islands and promoting lethal weapons exports under a new policy framework.
On the military front, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force recently announced the deployment of a Type-12 missile launcher on Minamitorishima, the country’s southernmost island. This action appears to be a direct response to China’s increased military activities in the Pacific region.
Earlier this year, China had already placed 20 Japanese companies on an export control list, with 20 more under surveillance. The Chinese government criticized Japan for not addressing the issues and instead accelerating its remilitarization efforts.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island. Recently, the Chinese Coast Guard conducted patrols close to Taiwan, interpreted by state media as a warning to Japan and the Philippines regarding their discussions about maritime boundaries in contested waters.
In a rare joint statement, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France condemned China’s aggressive activities in the waters east of Taiwan, emphasizing their opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo between China and Taiwan.
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Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
