China has imposed new export restrictions on Japanese companies, escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Japan over concerns about Japan’s military posture and regional security issues, according to officials and industry reports. Chinese authorities announced on Tuesday that they have banned exports of certain “dual‑use” goods to a group of Japanese entities they say are linked to Japan’s defence capabilities, a move that could affect sensitive technology and materials trade.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce placed 20 Japanese organizations and companies, including subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and other major industrial groups, on an export control list that prohibits the shipment of products classified as “dual‑use” — items with both civilian and military applications — without special approval. A further 20 entities were added to a watch list, meaning exporters must obtain individual licences and provide assurances that the products will not be used to enhance Japan’s military capabilities before shipments can proceed.
Beijing described the controls as measures to curb what it calls Japan’s “remilitarisation” and alleged nuclear ambitions, asserting that the steps are lawful and aimed solely at protecting national security. Chinese officials said the restrictions target only a limited set of goods and should not disrupt broader economic and trade exchanges between the two countries, and that firms acting in good faith have no cause for concern.
Tokyo has strongly condemned the measures as unjustified and unacceptable, with Japanese authorities lodging a formal protest and urging China to rescind the controls. The dispute reflects deepening economic and strategic frictions that have grown in recent months, including after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signalling a more assertive defence policy in response to regional security threats.
The export curbs could have implications for global supply chains, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology where so‑called dual‑use items — from rare earth components to high‑end machinery, play a key role. Some analysts warn that Japan’s efforts to diversify suppliers and reduce reliance on Chinese inputs may be accelerated as a result.China Imposes Export Controls on Japanese Firms Amid Rising Tensions