China imposes export controls on 20 Japanese entities to curb ‘remilitarisation’

Beijing has barred shipments of dual-use goods to 20 Japanese organisations it accuses of equipping Japan's armed forces, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday, according to Business Recorder. The ministry linked the move to its concerns about what it called a revival of Japanese militarism and nuclear aspirations, and it extended the ban to foreign groups and individuals who might pass Chinese-origin goods to those organisations. Officials did not say which specific products are covered.

Named targets include divisions of large Japanese industrial groups, among them Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines. A second list of 20 Japanese entities, which includes Subaru Corp, Itochu Aviation and Mitsubishi Materials Corp, was placed on a watch list because Beijing said it could not confirm who the end users are or how the goods are used.

Exporters seeking to supply the restricted entities may apply for permission only in exceptional cases where they must ship goods, and watch-listed sellers will need individual licences and a written pledge that the goods will not strengthen Japan's military capacity. Beijing said companies acting in good faith have nothing to fear and that normal trade between the two countries will continue. The announcement came as a diplomatic dispute between the two countries deepened.