China has placed 20 Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, on its export control list, accusing them of involvement in Japan's military buildup. The move escalates Beijing's pressure campaign against Tokyo following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks last year about potential intervention in a Taiwan contingency.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on the 24th that it would add 20 Japanese companies and institutions to its export control management list, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. The list includes five Mitsubishi-affiliated entities in shipbuilding, aircraft engines, and marine machinery, as well as six IHI Corporation subsidiaries in aerospace and engine sectors. Military personnel training institutions such as the National Defense Academy and national space development organizations including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency were also included.
The ministry stated the sanctions are "based on the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and regulations on dual-use item export controls, aimed at safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations including non-proliferation." It noted that the listed companies are directly or indirectly involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.
Under the new measures, Chinese exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use items to these 20 companies. Foreign organizations and individuals are also barred from transferring or providing Chinese-origin dual-use items to these entities. Ongoing transactions must be halted immediately. "However, if there are special circumstances where export is truly necessary, exporters must submit an application to the Ministry of Commerce," the ministry added. The measures took effect immediately upon announcement.
Prime Minister Takaichi drew China's ire in November last year when she suggested in parliament that Japan could intervene in a Taiwan contingency. Since then, Beijing has advised Chinese citizens against traveling to or studying in Japan, canceled the resumption of Japanese seafood imports, and tightened export controls on dual-use items including rare earths. China has yet to announce whether President Xi Jinping will send a congratulatory message following Takaichi's reelection on the 18th. While it is customary to send such messages upon major leaders' inaugurations or reelections, observers note the gesture may be omitted given the deteriorating bilateral relations.