China bans export of dual-use items to Japan amid tensions over Taiwan

In response to rising tensions over Taiwan, China has placed new export restrictions on Japan, causing Tokyo to criticize it.

In response to Japan’s “erroneous” and “egregious” statements about the self-governing island, which Beijing considers its territory, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced it had banned so-called dual-use items with military applications.

The Commerce Ministry stated in a statement on Tuesday that the ban would apply to all items that could “enhance Japan’s military capabilities” and was intended to “safeguard national security.”

Which goods would be prohibited was not stated in the notice.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that it had demanded the measures be withdrawn after speaking out against China.

The Japanese Embassy’s deputy chief of mission, Shi Yong, informed the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau secretary-general Masaaki Kanai that the ban was “absolutely unacceptable,” deeply regrettable, and did not adhere to international law, as stated by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

After Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested late last year that Tokyo might use force to attack Taiwan, the two countries’ relations have long been at odds over historical and territorial issues.

In a statement to the parliament in November, Takaichi claimed that Japan would face a “survival-threatening situation” if China attacked Taiwan, which violated the nation’s constitution’s prohibition against hostilities.

Beijing, which has long pledged to unify Taiwan with the Chinese mainland, using force if necessary, was upset by the Japanese leader’s remarks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the “reunification” of China and Taiwan as unstoppable in his annual New Year’s address.

Xi made the remarks days after China’s military conducted live-fire exercises that looked like an island blockade.

Although Taiwan has not yet formally declared independence, its ruling Democratic Progressive Party considers the island to be de facto independent.

Taiwan elects its leaders, has its own military, passport, and currency, but it is not recognized by the majority of nations, including Japan.