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Dual-use items refer to goods, software, or technologies with both military and civilian applications. This category includes specific rare earth magnets that power automotive components like side mirrors, speakers, and oil pumps, and they are particularly crucial in electric vehicles.
“Civilian users will not be affected,” said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the commerce ministry, during a press briefing. “China is dedicated to maintaining the stability and security of global production and supply chains,” he noted.
He did not clarify whether rare earth elements fall under the restrictions, nor did he comment on state media reports suggesting that the commerce ministry was considering tightening rare-earth export licenses to Japan.
China has an export control list of approximately 1,100 dual-use items and technologies that require manufacturers to obtain a license for international shipping, regardless of the end user. This list includes at least seven categories of medium and heavy rare earths. However, it has not detailed which items will be impacted by the export ban to Japan.
Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have worsened since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remarked in November that a Chinese offensive against Taiwan could jeopardize Japan’s security and prompt a military reaction, a statement Beijing described as “provocative.”
“Exports to Japan for military purposes, which could have military applications, and all other uses that bolster Japan’s military capabilities are prohibited,” he asserted.
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“The goal of halting Japan’s re-militarization and nuclear aspirations is entirely legitimate, justified, and lawful,” he continued.
On the day Beijing announced the ban, Japan’s foreign ministry lodged a strong protest against the measures and called for their retraction.
Last month, Japan’s cabinet approved a substantial spending package for the upcoming fiscal year commencing in April, which includes a 3.8% increase in the nation’s annual military budget, raising it to 9 trillion yen ($58 billion).
(Edited by : navneet singh)
