China bans dual-use exports to Japan to stop remilitarization attempts

China announced on Tuesday that it has banned the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users and for any purpose that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities, with the objective of stopping Japan’s attempts at remilitarization and nuclear weaponization. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to reports that the US had asked China to resume rare-earth exports to Japan, though Lin declined to confirm whether the Trump administration had made such a request. “China, in accordance with laws and regulations, has banned the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for military purposes, and to any other end-users or for any purposes that would help enhance Japan’s military capabilities,” Lin said.

Background of tensions

The export ban took effect immediately after its announcement in January and forms part of Beijing’s broader efforts to tighten controls over strategically sensitive goods and technologies. China has frequently criticized Japan’s recent defense policy shifts, including increased military spending, the acquisition of counterstrike capabilities, and deeper security cooperation with the US and its allies. Beijing has argued that such moves depart from Japan’s post-war pacifist principles and could threaten regional stability.