 "China bans exports of dual-use items, rare earth minerals to Japan over Taiwan feud")
China has banned the export of some rare earth minerals to Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan stirred a row between the two countries last year.
In a statement on Tuesday, China’s Commerce Ministry said that Beijing will impose sweeping restrictions on the export of dual-use items – goods and services that can be used both by civilians and the military – will be effective immediately.
What items are banned?
While the ministry did not specify which exports would be affected, a list of dual-use items released by the agency includes rare earths, advanced electronics, aerospace and aviation components, drones, and nuclear-related technologies, among others.
Rare earth elements are essential to a broad range of products, from consumer electronics and automobiles to advanced weapons systems such as the F-35 fighter jet. In 2024, Japan sourced 63 per cent of its rare earth imports from China, according to a CNN analysis of data from Japan’s finance ministry. The full scope of the latest restrictions and their potential impact on Japan remains unclear.
China-Japan row
The development comes as a diplomatic row between China and Japan continues to simmer after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented on Taiwan, seen as an interference by China as it considers the island-nation part of its own territory.
China and Japan are key trading partners, but historical mistrust and friction over territorial rivalries and military spending often test those ties.
Takaichi, a conservative and China hawk, has toned down her rhetoric since assuming office last year.
China had summoned Tokyo’s ambassador and advised its citizens against travel to Japan after the clash over Takaichi’s comments.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in November that Japan should “behave with dignity” and take “concrete actions, including retracting Takaichi’s statement, to repair ties."
Quick Reads
View All“Simply asserting that its position (on Taiwan) remains unchanged does nothing to address China’s concerns”, she said at a regular news conference.
With inputs from agencies
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