China Says Export Ban to Japan Targets Only Military Firms, Not Civilian Industry
China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday that its new export ban on dual-use items to Japan would only apply to military-linked entities, easing fears that the restrictions could disrupt rare earth supplies vital to Japan’s automotive and electronics industries.
Civilian Users Unaffected, Beijing Assures
“Civilian users will not be affected,” said ministry spokesperson He Yadong during a press briefing. “China has always been committed to the stability and security of global production and supply chains,” he added.
The clarification came after concerns that Beijing might curb rare earth exports—materials crucial for the production of electric vehicles and precision equipment—in response to recent tensions with Tokyo over remarks related to Taiwan. Dual-use items include goods, software and technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes, such as certain rare earth magnets used in electric motors for side mirrors, speakers and oil pumps.
While He did not confirm whether rare earth elements were included in the ban, he declined to comment on reports that China was considering tighter export licence controls for these materials.
Ban Part of Wider Export Control Framework
China maintains a list of about 1,100 dual-use items that require export licences, including at least seven categories of medium and heavy rare earths. However, the government has not publicly specified which products are affected by the latest measures against Japan.
“Exports to Japan for military purposes, that could find a military application, and all other end-uses contributing to the enhancement of Japan’s military capabilities are prohibited,” He said. “The objective of halting Japan’s re-militarisation and nuclear ambitions is entirely legitimate, justified and lawful.”
Tensions Rise Over Taiwan and Defence Spending
Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated in recent months following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November. She stated that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan’s survival could trigger a military response, remarks that Beijing condemned as “provocative.”
In response to China’s export ban, Japan’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it “strongly protested” the decision and urged Beijing to withdraw the measures.
The dispute comes amid Japan’s record defence spending plans. In December, Tokyo approved a budget increase of 3.8% for the next fiscal year, raising annual military expenditure to 9 trillion yen (US$58 billion).
Analysts say the latest trade restrictions highlight how geopolitical tensions in East Asia are increasingly spilling over into economic and technological sectors, with both nations seeking to safeguard strategic supply chains while asserting political influence.
with inputs from Reuters
