China Tightens Export Controls on 40 Japanese Firms Over Security Concerns

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Feb. 29 that it has placed 20 Japanese institutions and companies on an export‑control blacklist and added another 20 to a "watch" list. The measures target dual‑use items that could be used for defense or space projects, citing inability to verify end‑users or final purposes. Firms such as Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel are among those prohibited from receiving Chinese dual‑use goods, with existing transactions to be halted immediately unless special permission is granted. China said the steps are to safeguard national security and prevent Japan’s re‑militarisation. The move follows a similar sanction in February after Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s remarks on Taiwan, further straining China‑Japan relations.