China Bans Dual-Use Exports to Japan Over Taiwan Row

China imposed an immediate ban on Tuesday on exports to Japan of dual-use goods, items that can serve both civilian and military purposes, escalating a diplomatic dispute sparked by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. The restrictions, announced by China's Ministry of Commerce, target a broad range of products including certain rare earth elements, advanced machine tools, electronic components, sensors, and lasers, though specific items were not detailed in the statement.

The move follows Takaichi's remarks last year, in which she indicated that a military response might be appropriate if Taiwan faced an attack, a position Beijing views as interference in its claim over the island as a breakaway province. In prior retaliatory steps, China has urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and suspended imports of Japanese seafood. State-run media reported that Beijing is also considering stricter export reviews for medium and heavy rare earth-related items, which could further strain supply chains.

Japan, which depends on China for about 70 percent of its rare earth imports, faces significant risks to its manufacturing sector. Rare earths, categorized...