The move marks a significant escalation in trade and security tensions between China and Japan. Dual use items include goods, software and technologies that have both civilian and military applications, such as rare earth metals that are vital for the production of drones and semiconductor chips.
According to Reuters, exports of such items to military users or for any purposes that contribute to Japan’s military capabilities are now prohibited. The statement added that organisations or individuals from any country or region who violate the ban will be held accountable.
The development comes as Japan increases its defence spending. The Japanese cabinet recently approved a record spending package for the fiscal year beginning in April, including a 3.8 percent increase in the annual military budget to 9.04 trillion yen, equivalent to 57.7 billion dollars.
In December, China’s state owned news agency Xinhua reported that Beijing has grown increasingly concerned over Japan’s recent security policy changes. The report said Tokyo has significantly adjusted its stance by easing export restrictions, acquiring what China views as offensive weaponry, and planning revisions to its pacifist principles.
China has previously restricted rare earth exports to Japan during a diplomatic dispute more than a decade ago. However, recent data suggests there has been no slowdown so far in rare earth shipments, although customs data is released with a delay.
Figures for November show that exports of rare earth magnets to Japan rose by 35 percent to 305 metric tons, reaching a historic high last year.
Analysts note that the latest ban on dual use items for military purposes reflects months of diplomatic friction, particularly linked to Japan’s evolving policies regarding Taiwan.
