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China has imposed new export controls on 40 Japanese entities, citing national security and non-proliferation concerns, as tensions between Beijing and Tokyo continue to escalate. The measures, announced by China's Ministry of Commerce, target companies and research institutions that Beijing says contribute to Japan's "remilitarisation."
Coverage Comparison
The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera and The Hindu, with both outlets highlighting China's rationale and the context of deteriorating bilateral relations. Al Jazeera's coverage emphasized China's response to what it described as Tokyo's 'new militarism,' while The Hindu framed the controls as part of a broader pattern of deterrence against Japan's military build-up.
Both outlets detailed the specifics: 20 Japanese entities have been placed on a control list, which prohibits Chinese and foreign exporters from selling them dual-use items made in China. An additional 20 entities have been added to a watch list for dual-use items, requiring risk assessments and written assurances from exporters.
Key Claims
According to the Chinese Commerce Ministry, the measures are "entirely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful" and do not affect normal China-Japan economic and trade exchanges. The Ministry accused Japan of "accelerating its push towards 'new militarism,' speeding up 'remilitarisation,' deploying offensive weapons, and launching offensive missiles overseas." These statements were reported by Al Jazeera.
The control list includes state-affiliated institutions such as the National Institute for Defense Studies, Naval Systems Research Center, and Ground Systems Research Center, as well as companies like Mitsubishi Precision, MHI Logitech, and Kawajyu Gifu Manufacturing. The watch list includes Mitsui E&S, Terra Drone, and Hitachi Advanced Systems, according to Al Jazeera. The Hindu added that Mitsui E&S, which makes ship engines, and divisions of Fujitsu and Komatsu are also on the watch list.
Exporters to watch-listed entities will be required to apply for special licenses, submit risk assessment reports on the Japanese companies, and provide written pledges that the dual-use items will not be used for military purposes, as detailed by The Hindu.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged Beijing to revoke the measures, calling such moves "unacceptable," as reported by Al Jazeera.
Context of Tensions
The export controls come amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Hindu noted that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year implied Japan could intervene if China used military force against Taiwan, an island China claims as its own. Both Al Jazeera and The Hindu reported this implication.
Additionally, The Hindu highlighted that Takaichi's government is reinforcing Japan's military with more offensive capabilities, including deploying longer-range missiles on remote islands and promoting lethal weapons exports under a new policy. Japan's defense posture changes have been cited as a reason for China's actions.
Perspectives
- Chinese Government (Ministry of Commerce): China views its export controls as legitimate and necessary measures to deter Japan's "reckless pursuit of new militarism." The Ministry urges Japan to correct its course and return to what it considers the right track.
- Japanese Government (Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara): Japan finds the measures "unacceptable" and has demanded their revocation, signaling strong official objection.