Japan to Check Whether China’s Latest Dual-Use Export Ban Covers Rare Earths

Japan will assess whether China’s ban on exports of dual-use items covers rare earths, the country’s top government spokesman said, amid escalating bilateral tensions over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a Taiwan contingency, Kyodo News reported.

China claims its export restrictions are “entirely legitimate and lawful.”

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a regular press conference that the latest step taken by China remains “largely unclear,” as Beijing has claimed Takaichi indicated Japan would act in the event of coercive measures against Taiwan.

While refraining from commenting on possible impacts on domestic industries, Kihara said China’s export controls “only target Japan,” adding they “deviate significantly from international practice” and are “absolutely unacceptable.”

Later on, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning defended the export restrictions as “entirely legitimate and lawful,” saying they aim to safeguard China’s national security and interests while fulfilling international obligations such as nonproliferation.

Mao again urged Tokyo to withdraw Takaichi’s “erroneous remarks,” alleging they constitute “blatant interference” in China’s internal affairs.

Relations between Japan and China have been strained since Takaichi said in a parliamentary session that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially involving its Self-Defense Forces.