China Imposes Export Controls on Japanese Entities Over Military Concerns
China has implemented export restrictions on 40 Japanese entities, citing concerns over Japan's military expansion and nuclear ambitions.
In early 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce announced a series of export control measures targeting 40 Japanese entities, including major corporations such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Co. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. These measures prohibit the export of dual-use items—goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes—to these entities. The restrictions are part of China's efforts to curb Japan's remilitarization and nuclear ambitions, which Beijing views as threats to regional and global peace.
The export controls are grounded in China's Export Control Law and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items. They aim to prevent dual-use items from being diverted for military purposes while maintaining normal economic and trade exchanges in the civilian sector.
Japan has formally protested the measures, with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato Kei stating that the move by China's Ministry of Commerce is "deplorable" and "will not be tolerated" by Tokyo.
The affected Japanese entities include key players in the defense industry, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Co., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Fujitsu. These companies are involved in the production of submarines, aircraft engines, and software development for Japan's Self-Defense Forces.
China's Ministry of Commerce has stated that the export control measures are justified and lawful, targeting only a minority of Japanese entities and focusing solely on dual-use items. The ministry emphasized that these actions will not affect normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan.