Nation adds 20 Japanese entities to its exports control list

China placed 20 Japanese entities on a control list with absolute export prohibition on Monday, while adding 20 others to a watch list with enhanced scrutiny, a move that experts said would ratchet up pressure on Tokyo to abandon its remilitarization and nuclear ambitions, and would help safeguard regional peace.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the 20 entities on the control list, including Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies and several Mitsubishi-affiliated defense contractors, now face a blanket ban on the export of all dual-use items — goods and technologies that have both civilian and military applications. The ban also applies to foreign organizations and individuals seeking to transfer or supply Chinese-origin dual-use items to these entities.

The 20 other Japanese entities on a separate watch list, including Mitsui E&S Co, face stricter licensing requirements and enhanced end-user reviews on any dual-use item exports. The review period is not bound by the standard statutory deadline of 45 working days as stipulated in related regulations on export control of dual-use items.

Monday's announcement follows an initial round of export controls imposed in February on 40 Japanese entities.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said the measures are "completely justified, reasonable and lawful", and are aimed at "curbing Japan's attempts at remilitarization and possession of nuclear weapons".

"Regrettably, over time, Japan has shown no signs of repentance, but has instead gone further down the wrong path, accelerating its new militarism and remilitarization," the spokesperson added.

Public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has deployed a surface-to-ship missile launcher on Minamitorishima, the country's easternmost Pacific outpost. The report said this is the first time such weaponry has been stationed on the remote island.

Ties between Beijing and Tokyo have been tense since late last year when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi implied that Japan might have to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, and she refused to retract her erroneous remarks.

Cui Fan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, noted that the listed entities are active in Japan's defense industry, manufacturing ships, fighter jets, missiles and other military equipment.

"By tightening controls, China aims to weaken Japan's military capabilities and create a deterrent," Cui said. "More important, it sends a clear warning to Japan that any action that damages China's core interests will come at a corresponding price."

The Commerce Ministry emphasized that the measures target only a small number of Japanese entities, apply solely to dual-use items, and will not affect normal economic and trade activities between China and Japan.

"Japanese entities that act in good faith and comply with the law have absolutely no cause for concern," the spokesperson said, urging Japan to sincerely reflect on the past, change its erroneous ways and return to the right track.

Political tensions between the two countries notwithstanding, the Japanese business community is seeking out alternative ways to stay connected.

Last week, the Japan Business Federation and other major economic groups from the country led delegations to Beijing to attend the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo.

Osamu Onodera, chief representative for China and Northeast Asia of the Japan External Trade Organization, said that Japanese companies want to maintain a healthy relationship with the Chinese business community during this "difficult period in bilateral relations".

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn