China has added 20 Japanese companies and organizations to its export control list for dual-use items, effectively banning most exports to them [1].
This move escalates trade tensions between the two nations and signals Beijing's willingness to use economic levers to influence Japanese security policy. By targeting entities capable of utilizing both civilian and military technology, China restricts the flow of strategic materials essential for industrial and defense applications.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said the measures are intended to deter "neo-militarism" and ensure that entities comply with Chinese laws. During a press conference in Beijing on Monday, Guo said, "Japanese companies that abide by the law have absolutely no need to worry."
Beijing framed the restrictions as a corrective measure. Guo said he hopes the Japanese side recognizes its mistakes, corrects wrong actions, and returns to the "correct track" through sincere reflection.
This is not the first instance of such restrictions this year. In February, China implemented similar regulations targeting another 20 companies and universities [1].
While a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said civilian use would not be affected, reports indicate some disruptions are already occurring. Specifically, the export of certain processed tungsten products from China to Japan has stagnated.
The list includes a range of organizations, such as the National Institute for Defense Studies, and Nikko Tokki. The Chinese government maintains that these restrictions are a legitimate exercise of national security and legal oversight.
“"Japanese companies that abide by the law have absolutely no need to worry."”
The expansion of the export control list suggests a strategic shift toward more frequent, targeted economic sanctions against Japanese entities. By citing 'neo-militarism,' Beijing is linking trade policy directly to its perception of Japan's defense posture. The contradiction between official claims that civilian trade is unaffected and the reported stagnation of tungsten exports indicates that the 'dual-use' nature of these goods makes a clean separation between military and commercial impact nearly impossible.
