China Blacklists 20 Japanese Entities over Export Controls

China has added 20 Japanese entities to its export control blacklist, restricting their access to Chinese dual-use goods in a move that marks a fresh escalation in tensions with Japan.

China's Ministry of Commerce said the sanctioned entities had contributed to strengthening Japan's military capabilities, adding that the measures were intended to safeguard national security and uphold international non-proliferation commitments.

The restrictions target defense-related companies and research institutions, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan's Defense Research Institute.

Bilateral tensions have intensified since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that Tokyo could intervene in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Since taking office, Japan has expanded defense spending and deepened security cooperation with regional partners, including the Philippines, with support from the United States.

China also placed another 20 Japanese entities on a monitoring list requiring exporters to conduct stricter risk assessments for shipments of dual-use products.

The move follows tighter Chinese restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals, a sector in which Beijing dominates global supply and upon which Japan relies for around 70% of its imports.