Japan Critiques China’s Export Restrictions on Dual-Use Technologies

Overview of China’s Export Controls

The Japanese government has formally requested the Chinese authorities to rescind extensive export restrictions targeting dual-use items essential for Japan’s defense capabilities. This appeal follows a recent announcement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which on January 6 introduced a ban on the export of dual-use items utilized by Japanese military forces.

Nature of the Restrictions

While China has not explicitly detailed the items encompassed by these prohibitions, analysts speculate that crucial rare earth elements may be among those affected. The Chinese export control documentation for dual-use goods and technologies reportedly includes an extensive catalog of over 1,000 items, notably medium and heavy rare earth minerals.

These minerals are integral to the manufacture of a variety of advanced technologies, including:

• Batteries
• Wind turbines
• Computing devices
• Military equipment, such as drones and missiles

In addition to the ban on specific materials, the Chinese government has extended the restrictions to incorporate “end-users and end-use producers,” which affects companies that export or manufacture dual-use items in China for the purpose of creating military products for Japan.

Japan’s Response

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned this restriction as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable.” This controversy arises during a phase of escalating tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, recently exacerbated by comments made in November by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential responses to a hypothetical naval blockade of Taiwan. Such statements have provoked a significant backlash from Chinese officials, who argue that Takaichi’s remarks breach the One China principle and constitute interference in China’s internal matters.

Historical Context

This is not the first time China has imposed export restrictions on rare earth minerals. In 2010, a temporary embargo was enacted against Japan, and more recently, the United States faced similar limitations on critical minerals in 2024. However, these prohibitions were relaxed during negotiations with American trade representatives late last year.

Monitoring the Situation

As the Japanese government assesses the ramifications of these new export controls on domestic industries, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reported on January 7 that the situation remains ambiguous. Japan is actively evaluating its potential vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors dependent on rare earth elements and dual-use technologies.

Forward-Looking Considerations

The evolving dynamics between Japan and China warrant close scrutiny, particularly regarding their implications for regional security and supply chain resilience. Policymakers and defense analysts should monitor not only the immediate impact on defense procurement but also the broader geopolitical shifts driving these export restrictions.

The future interactions between Tokyo and Beijing will likely shape the strategic calculus for both nations as they navigate a complex landscape of cooperation, competition, and emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.