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China bans exports to Japan of dual-use
goods that could enhance Tokyo's military power
[January 06, 2026]
BEIJING (AP) — China on Tuesday banned exports of dual-use goods
that can serve military purposes to Japan, a move that comes at time of
heightened tensions between the two countries over Taiwan, a self-ruled
island Beijing claims as its sovereign territory.
The Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement that exports of such
items, which can serve both civilian and military purposes, to Japanese
military users and all other end-users that could help enhance Japanese
military power are prohibited.
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In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi
Jinping delivers his 2026 New Year message in Beijing on Wednesday, Dec.
31, 2025. (Yan Yan/Xinhua via AP) |
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Any
individual or organization that violates the rule by
transferring or providing these made-in-China products to
Japanese groups and people would face legal consequences,
regardless of where they are from, it said.
The notice did not identify or describe specific items, but some
exports — particularly in the technology sector such as drones
and navigation systems — could be adapted for military use.
There was no immediate reaction from Japan.
Relations between Japan and China worsened late last year after
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said its military could
get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.
In December, Japan said Chinese military aircraft locked radar
on its fighter jets even though there was a safe distance
between them. Tokyo is barreling forward with efforts to
significantly boost its military capabilities to stand up to
China’s growing threats by doubling annual arms spending.
Last week, China launched large-scale military drills around
Taiwan for two days to warn against what it calls separatist and
external forces.
At that time, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed both
Japan and Taiwan’s “pro-independence forces.” Wang said Japan's
current leaders openly challenge China’s territorial sovereignty
and the postwar international order. Japan was defeated in World
War II by the United States and its allies.
In his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in
Beijing on Monday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping mentioned China’s
and South Korea’s historical rivalry against Japan, calling on
the two countries to “join hands to defend the fruits of victory
in World War II and safeguard peace and stability in northeast
Asia.”
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