The Japanese government has called on China to rescind extensive export restrictions on dual-use items that could hinder Japan’s defense capabilities. On January 6, 2024, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a ban on the export of all dual-use items intended for military applications, significantly impacting Japan’s ability to procure necessary materials.
While China did not specify the exact items covered by the restrictions, experts suggest that the measures could target rare earth minerals, which are essential for a variety of technologies. According to a report by Reuters, Beijing’s list of controlled dual-use goods includes over 1,000 items, notably medium and heavy rare earth minerals. These critical resources are integral to the production of batteries, wind turbines, computers, and defense equipment such as drones and missiles.
The Chinese export ban also encompasses “end-users and end-use producers,” which includes firms and organizations that export or manufacture dual-use items in China for military purposes in Japan. In response, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”
Deteriorating Relations Fuel Tensions
This development occurs against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Tensions escalated following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in early November regarding potential responses to a possible naval blockade of Taiwan. Chinese officials interpreted Takaichi’s remarks as a violation of the One China principle and an unwarranted interference in China’s domestic affairs.
This is not the first time that Japan has faced export restrictions from China. In 2010, China temporarily embargoed rare earth mineral exports to Japan, and in 2024, the United States encountered similar restrictions on critical minerals. Although the export ban was relaxed late last year during trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington, the current situation presents new challenges for Japan.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara addressed the media on January 7, stating that the government is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of the restrictions on Japanese industries. He noted that the situation is “not crystal clear at the moment,” indicating ongoing uncertainty regarding how these export controls will affect Japan’s defense and technology sectors.
As the situation develops, the Japanese government is likely to continue its diplomatic efforts to navigate the complexities of its relationship with China while ensuring the security and technological needs of its defense forces remain met.
