Tensions between Japan and China are heating up.Image: keystone
China has put 20 Japanese companies on a list for export restrictions, increasing tensions between the two countries.
02/24/2026, 07:1102/24/2026, 07:11
The measure affects some of Japan’s largest defense companies. According to the Ministry of Commerce, several subsidiaries of the listed major corporation Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as well as other companies from the aviation and defense sectors, among others, are affected. From now on, you are no longer allowed to purchase Chinese export goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes.
The affected defense companies are involved in strengthening the Japanese military, the ministry said. China must protect national security and fulfill international obligations. The export controls therefore also apply to foreign companies and individuals who want to deliver dual-use goods from China to the companies concerned.
In addition, Beijing placed 20 other companies on an export control watch list. These include the car manufacturer Subaru, which is also active in the aviation industry, electronics manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Materials and the sensor specialist TDK. Anyone who wants to export dual-use goods to these companies needs an individual license with a prior risk assessment. Exports for military purposes or even directly to Japan’s military would not be permitted, it was said.
Why China is increasing the pressure
China is thus putting further pressure on the Japanese government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. According to the ministry spokesman, Beijing wants to prevent “re-militarization” and the build-up of Japan with nuclear weapons. The background is likely to be the dispute between the two countries over Takaichi’s statements about the independently governed island state of Taiwan, which China counts as part of its territory and wants to bring under its control using military force if necessary.
Takaichi told the Japanese parliament in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would represent a “life-threatening situation” for Japan, which could lead to a military response. The government in Beijing then issued a warning against traveling to Japan and accused Takaichi of accelerating the country’s military buildup.
Takaichi is seeking a revision of pacifism Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, which has remained unchanged since 1947 and which imposes security policy barriers on the island kingdom. According to the article, Japan must “forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes.” As a security policy hardliner, Takaichi also supports closer relations with the protecting power, the USA. (sda/dpa)