Export controls for Japan 'lawful'

China's tightened export controls on dual-use items to Japan aim to curb Tokyo's attempts at remilitarization and pursuit of nuclear armament, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, adding that Beijing's decision is entirely "legitimate, reasonable, and lawful".

"China is committed to maintaining stable and secure global industrial and supply chains," said He Yadong, spokesman for the ministry, at a news conference. "Civilian applications will not be affected. Parties engaged in trade for normal civilian purposes have no cause for concern."

China announced on Tuesday an immediate ban on exporting dual-use items to Japan, in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks hinting at the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

Dual-use items are goods, software and technology that can be used for both civilian and military applications.

China was also considering tightening export permit reviews for certain rare earth-related items to Japan, a source familiar with the matter told China Daily on Tuesday.

China's move is both necessary and well-grounded in facts and legal principles. Japan's improper statements on the Taiwan question and its potential actions that could endanger China's national security have already posed a substantial threat to China's core interests, said Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing.

"It must be emphasized that China does not wish to see strained bilateral relations. The introduction of these measures is, in essence, a critical step to urge Japan to return to a rational course and correct its misguided words and actions," Zhou said.

He, the ministry spokesman, noted that since assuming office, Takaichi has pushed for three updated documents on Japan's security and defense policies, and individuals in her circle have made statements advocating nuclear armament.

These actions are an attempt to challenge the bottom lines of the international community and expose Takaichi and Japan's rightwing forces' consistent misguided positions and persistent ambitions to advance remilitarization. Such actions challenge the post-war international order and are bound to undermine regional peace and stability, and jeopardize global peace and security, said He.

In accordance with laws and regulations, China strictly prohibits the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for Japan's military use, and for any other end-users and end-use purposes that help enhance Japan's military capabilities, He said, adding that China, as a responsible major country, has always actively fulfilled its international nonproliferation obligations.

"Should the Japanese administration continue down the wrong path, it is endangering bilateral economic ties that have great significance for both nations," said Xu Hongcai, deputy director of the economic policy committee of the China Association of Policy Science.

As Japan's largest trading partner, China represents a critically important market for a wide range of Japanese industries, including auto parts, precision machinery, consumer goods and chemical products.