China Blacklists 20 Japanese Firms Amid Trade Dispute

Beijing. China on Monday added 20 Japanese organizations to its blacklist. This includes major companies. The Ministry of Commerce has taken this step to stop the export of dual-use materials. This step has further intensified the dispute between Beijing and Tokyo that has been going on for months.

"To protect national security and interests and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, a decision has been made to include 20 Japanese organizations involved in the enhancement of Japan's military capabilities in the export control list," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

Relations between the two countries became tense in November after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that Tokyo could respond militarily if Taiwan were attacked. China has been saying that it will take Taiwan under its control using force if necessary.

Chinese officials had increased pressure in February by imposing export bans on dozens of Japanese companies, accusing them of being involved in the enhancement of Tokyo's military capabilities.

The 20 organizations added to the blacklist on Monday include specialized subsidiary companies and technology firms that provide various materials and engineering support to Japan's defense sector.

Among these, the National Institute for Defense Studies and 'Mitsubishi Electric Defense and Space Technologies Corporation' are two major firms.

China is one of the world's largest producers and refiners of rare minerals. Rare minerals are essential for high-tech products such as electric vehicles, smartphones, missile guidance systems, and lasers.

"Japan is moving further down the wrong path and is intensifying 'new types of militarism'," said a separate statement issued in the name of the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson.

"China's step is completely justified, fair, and legal," he added, "This decision will not affect the normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan."