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China Imposes Export Ban on Dual-Use Goods Amidst Taiwan Tensions with Japan
Beijing has announced a ban on the exportation of certain rare earth minerals and other goods that could potentially have military applications. This move comes in response to recent comments made by Japan’s prime minister regarding Taiwan.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in its first policy announcement of 2026, declared that all “dual-use” items are now prohibited from export to any entities that support Japanese military capabilities. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that China “never will allow Japan’s right-wing forces to turn back the wheel of history,” adding that “peace-loving countries and peoples around the world” will “never allow militarism to make a comeback.”
This new policy is enacted under China’s Export Control Law, which covers all Chinese-made goods and some rare earth minerals, even those already situated in other nations. The Ministry of Commerce stated in a translated announcement that the decision was made “in order to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations, such as non-proliferation.” They further warned that “organizations and individuals in any country or region who violate the above provisions by transferring or providing relevant dual-use items originating in the People’s Republic of China to Japan will be held responsible in accordance with the law.”
While the announcement did not specify the exact items subject to the ban or the potential repercussions for violations, a broader Chinese listing of potential dual-use items reportedly includes nuclear technology, advanced electronics, aviation and aerospace goods, rare earth minerals, and drones.
The ban follows remarks made in November by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who told the Japanese parliament that any Chinese aggression against Taiwan would constitute a threat to Japan’s survival and could prompt intervention by the Japanese military. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, despite the island nation’s international recognition as an independent entity.