China's Ministry of Commerce has tightened export controls on dual-use items to Japan and is considering stricter reviews for medium and heavy rare earth exports in response to recent Japanese comments on Taiwan, state media reported.
The ministry said Japan's leader had made erroneous remarks hinting at military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, grossly interfering in China's internal affairs and violating the one-China principle. To safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations, China will ban all dual-use item exports to Japanese military users, military purposes or any end-uses enhancing Japan's military strength.
Organizations or individuals violating these rules by transferring or providing Chinese-origin dual-use items to Japanese entities will be held legally accountable.
Separately, the China Daily cited a reliable source saying the government is considering tightening export permit reviews for medium and heavy rare earth items listed under controls since April 4, 2025.
Japanese think tank Nomura Research Institute noted Japan relies almost entirely on China for heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium used in EV motor magnets, and restrictions would significantly impact its economy.
