Tokyo protests as China blocks ‘dual-use’ exports to 20 Japanese companies
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China has imposed restrictions on the export of dual-use items to 20 Japanese companies, citing concerns over Japan's potential military expansion. The move has sparked strong protests from Tokyo, with Japanese officials labeling it "deplorable" and a clear escalation in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. China’s Commerce Ministry claims the restrictions are necessary to safeguard national security and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations, as the listed companies may be involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.
The restrictions target major Japanese entities, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which are linked to defense or aerospace activities. China has also added 20 more Japanese firms, such as Subaru and ENEOS Corporation, to its export watchlist. These measures require Chinese exporters to submit detailed risk assessments to ensure dual-use items will not be utilized for military purposes.
The tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have escalated significantly since November when Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan as a "survival-threatening situation" that could justify Japanese military action. This remark, along with Japan's growing push to enhance its military capabilities, has fueled China's concerns about regional security and prompted retaliatory measures, including discouraging tourism to Japan and restricting exports of rare earth materials crucial for defense technologies.
The restrictions reflect China’s broader strategy to assert control over sensitive technology transfers and signal disapproval of Japan’s stance on Taiwan. With both countries拥有 a history of strained relations and competing interests in Asia, the situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region. The ongoing dispute
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026