China Adds 20 Japanese Entities to Export Control List

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on February 24 that it had added 20 Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, to its export control list. Based on the Export Control Law and other regulations, the export of dual-use items to these companies is prohibited, and the measures took effect that day.

The companies included in the control list are primarily in defense-related industries, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aircraft Engines, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Aerospace Systems, and universities such as the National Defense Academy.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated in a statement on February 24 that the measures “aim at curbing Japan’s ‘remilitarization’ and nuclear ambitions.” This move is seen as a countermeasure to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s answers in the Diet regarding the “Taiwan emergency.”

The Chinese government had already announced on January 6 that it would strengthen export restrictions on Japan based on dual-use controls.