Ore containing rare earth minerals (©Kyodo)
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China has announced that it is strengthening controls on exports to Japan to restrict dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Concerns are that the list of affected items will include rare earths, which are essential for production of high-tech products.
China's move is nothing but blatant economic coercion directed against Japan.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce provided that country's explanation for the restrictions. She stated that "Japanese leaders have publicly made false statements concerning Taiwan."
Since 2025, China has taken issue with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's matter-of-fact remarks about a possible Taiwan emergency. Beijing has also retaliated by repeatedly imposing measures, such as travel restrictions, intended to intimidate Japan. These latest export restrictions have raised the level of retaliation even further.
This time, China has gone too far with this announcement, however. A tightening of regulations that targets only Japan is extremely unjust. It is only natural that the Japanese government protested to China and demanded that the measures be revoked. Japan must work together with the United States and Europe to take strong action in response to China's willful behavior.
Deciphering China's Move
China has not yet disclosed a list of the specific items subject to new restrictions. But according to a report in a state-run Chinese English-language newspaper, Beijing is considering tightening rare earths export licensing procedures. Rare earths are widely used in industrial products, including motors for electric vehicles.
China also used rare earths as a weapon in 2025. That time, it was aimed at persuading the Trump administration to compromise during negotiations with the United States over its high tariff policy. No doubt China now hopes for similar results with Japan.
However, for Japan to make concessions regarding Chinese demands, including a retraction by Prime Minister Takaichi of her remarks on Taiwan, would sow the seeds of future disasters. Hopefully, the Prime Minister will stand firm.
The 'Dual-Use' Ruse
Of particular concern is China's intention to target the dual-use sector. China is currently waging a propaganda campaign to spread the canard in the international community that Japan is embarked on a path of militarism and poses a threat to East Asia. These export restrictions likely are in line with this strategy.
It is also important for Japan to thoroughly refute this lie. Japan must directly appeal to the international community by exposing just how abnormal China's behavior is.
Japanese companies are also urged to respond calmly. The political risks of doing business in China are already well known. Nevertheless, companies must once again recognize the dangers of excessive dependence on China.
First, though, the details of the new regulations must be confirmed. Then, Japan's public and private sectors must work on measures to mitigate their impact. One pressing question now is whether supply chains can be reconstructed by developing alternative products and diversifying suppliers quickly enough to avoid continued dependence on imports from China.
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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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