China's Ministry of Commerce announced today an immediate ban on the export of dual-use items to Japan. The prohibition targets entities within the Japanese military and any users who might employ these items for military ends or to bolster Japan's military capabilities.
This decision, based on China's Export Control Law, aims to protect national security and interests while fulfilling international obligations for nuclear non-proliferation. The ministry warned that organizations or individuals from any country violating this ban will face legal responsibility.
While Chinese officials did not specify particular items, China classifies many products in sensitive sectors, including biotechnology, aerospace, and telecommunications, as dual-use goods subject to export controls.
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Japanese (left) and Chinese flags at an event in Shandong province, China in 11/2025. Photo: Reuters
The Japanese government has not yet commented on China's decision. However, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce that same day criticized Japan's "recent erroneous remarks concerning the Taiwan issue."
This move occurs amidst the lowest point in China-Japan relations in years, primarily fueled by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statements on the Taiwan issue in 11/2025. Ms. Takaichi had warned that Japan might take military action if Taiwan were attacked. Taiwan is located just 100 km from Japan's closest island.
Despite the Japanese Prime Minister later softening her tone to ease tensions, China did not accept this. Beijing continued to demand she retract her statements and, that same month, reimposed a ban on seafood imports from Japan. Ms. Takaichi has so far refused to retract her remarks.
Further escalating tensions, Japan accused a Chinese J-15 fighter jet, operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, of twice activating its fire control radar and locking onto targets on a Japanese F-15 fighter southeast of Okinawa island in 12/2025. Such actions, where fire control radar is activated and targets are locked, typically indicate readiness to engage in combat and are considered a serious provocation during peacetime.
The Chinese Navy, however, asserted that Japan's statement "does not conform to the actual situation" and demanded Japan "immediately cease slander and smear campaigns."
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Dimsum Daily, Reuters)
