China Amps Up Pressure on Japan With Restrictions on Exports

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by Javier C. Hernández

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

China has intensified its ongoing trade dispute with Japan by imposing export restrictions on 20 Japanese entities linked to the defense industry. These measures target dual-use items—products that serve both civilian and military purposes—and aim to curb Japan’s military expansion while applying economic pressure. The restricted entities include major players like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, JAXA (the Japanese space agency), and the National Defense Academy of Japan, which is a key military training institution. This move comes in response to Japan’s recent defense policy shifts, particularly its stated willingness to assist in defending Taiwan against potential Chinese actions. The restrictions are part of China’s broader strategy to counter what it perceives as Japan’s re-militarization and nuclear ambitions. The Chinese government has been escalating tensions with Tokyo since November 2023, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi publicly hinted at supporting Taiwan’s defense in the event of a conflict with China. Beijing views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and opposes any foreign interference in what it considers internal affairs. The restrictions could potentially include rare earth metals, which are critical for advanced technologies and defense systems. Dual-use items targeted by these restrictions include materials used in electric vehicle motors, missile systems, and other military applications. China’s commerce ministry has also placed additional scrutiny on 20 more Japanese companies, including Subaru, making it harder for them to obtain Chinese goods. The move is framed as a legal and necessary response to Japan’s defense policies, with the Chinese government stating that these measures are “fully justifiable, reasonable, and lawful.” This escalation marks a significant step in China’s ongoing feud with Japan and underscores the

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026