**Title: China Imposes Export Controls on Japanese Entities Amid Ongoing Tensions**
**Date: June 29, 2026**
In a significant escalation of its ongoing economic tensions with Japan, China has announced export controls targeting dozens of Japanese entities, citing concerns over Japan's alleged militarism. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce revealed on Monday that 20 organizations have been added to a blacklist that prohibits them from receiving dual-use items, which could have military applications. This decision reflects Beijing's growing apprehension regarding Japan's military policies and actions.
Among the entities blacklisted are notable organizations such as the National Institute for Defense Studies, the Naval Systems Research Center, and the Ground Systems Research Center. Additionally, several companies, including Mitsubishi Precision, MHI Logitech, and Kawajyu Gifu Manufacturing, have also been affected by these new restrictions.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce has placed 20 additional organizations, including Mitsui E&S, Terra Drone, and Hitachi Advanced Systems, on a watch list. These entities are now required to submit risk assessments and written assurances that their exports will not contribute to Japan's military capabilities.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce defended the move, stating that it is "entirely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful." The spokesperson emphasized that the measures do not impact "normal China-Japan economic and trade exchanges." However, the statement also expressed discontent with Japan's recent military posture, accusing Tokyo of accelerating its push towards "new militarism" and remilitarization.
In response, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara condemned the export controls, labeling them as "unacceptable." Kihara urged Beijing to reconsider its actions, which have further strained relations between the two nations.
The latest round of export controls follows a series of similar measures taken by China earlier this year. In February, China blacklisted 20 Japanese entities and placed another 20 under monitoring, amid escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan. The relationship between China and Japan has been historically fraught, characterized by territorial disputes and differing perspectives on historical grievances. However, the situation has deteriorated further since late last year, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan might militarily intervene if China were to attempt to assert control over Taiwan.
Takaichi's remarks, which indicated that a Chinese invasion could justify Japan's exercise of collective self-defense under its pacifist constitution, provoked a strong reaction from Beijing. The Chinese government views Taiwan as a core part of its territory and has consistently opposed any foreign interference in its affairs.
Since taking office in October 2025, Takaichi has prioritized national defense, advocating for an increase in military spending to 2 percent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) and pushing for amendments to Japan's war-renouncing constitution. These developments have raised concerns in China, leading to a series of retaliatory measures aimed at curbing Japan's military capabilities.
As the situation continues to unfold, analysts suggest that the economic and diplomatic rift between China and Japan may deepen, potentially impacting broader regional stability. The ongoing tensions highlight the complex interplay of historical grievances, national security concerns, and geopolitical strategies in East Asia.
The export controls imposed by China serve as a reminder of the fragile state of Sino-Japanese relations and the potential for further escalation in the future. As both nations navigate these challenges, the international community will be closely monitoring developments, particularly in relation to Taiwan and broader security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.