China Bans Exports of Dual-Use Goods to Japan

Beijing, Jan. 6 (Jiji Press)–The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Tuesday announced an immediate ban on the exports to Japan of dual-use goods, which can be used for both commercial and military purposes. The move followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s parliamentary remark last November regarding a possible Taiwan contingency, apparently in an attempt to intensify economic pressure on Tokyo and force a retraction. According to the ministry, exports of materials for Japanese defense-related users and dual-use items that could enhance defense capabilities are restricted. This could include exports of semiconductors and rare earths to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and defense equipment manufacturers. The ministry, in a spokesperson’s statement issued on Tuesday, again criticized Takaichi’s remark as “erroneous,” and said that it could constitute boorish interference in China’s internal affairs. In November, Takaichi said at a meeting of Japanese parliament that China’s possible use of force against Taiwan could constitute a so-called survival-threatening situation for Japan, allowing the country to exercise its right to collective self-defense. China has since strongly opposed the remark and taken measures against Japan, such as urging its citizens to refrain from travelling to Japan and suspending imports of Japanese fishery products. The Commerce Ministry had warned Japan that China will resolutely take necessary measures. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]