China has announced a sweeping ban on the export of so called “dual-use” goods to Japan’s military, escalating diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.
In a statement released on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the decision was directly linked to remarks made by Takaichi in November, in which she suggested that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan and potentially trigger a military response from Tokyo. Beijing described the comments as a serious violation of the one-China principle and an interference in its internal affairs.
Under the new directive, the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, or for any purpose that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities, is prohibited. The ministry added that individuals or organisations from any country found violating the order would face legal consequences, signalling the global reach of the restriction.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned that it could use force to assert control if necessary. Any foreign support for Taipei is regarded by Beijing as an infringement on its sovereignty. Takaichi, a security hardliner from Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, went further than previous Japanese leaders by openly discussing a scenario in which Japan could respond militarily without being directly attacked.
While Tokyo has insisted that Takaichi’s remarks do not represent a shift in official policy, China has continued to press Japan to retract them. The dispute has already led to travel warnings for Chinese citizens, sanctions on a former Japanese military official, and the planned removal of China’s giant pandas from Japan.
Despite the announcement, officials in Tokyo reportedly believe the ban will have limited immediate impact due to existing export controls. However, the move underscores Beijing’s determination to keep pressure on Japan as tensions over Taiwan persist.
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