China has expanded the list of Japanese companies and organisations on its export control list in Beijing’s latest move to curb what it describes as a “new type of militarism” from the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Monday’s move, which restricts Chinese exports of “dual use” items that may serve both civilian and military purposes, is the latest escalation of a row that has plunged Japan-China relations into their worst state in more than a decade.
Beijing is furious with Takaichi for her suggestion last year that Japan could become militarily embroiled in regional conflict if China were to invade Taiwan. China has repeatedly accused her administration of “aggressive remilitarisation” and of acting in breach of Japan’s pacifist constitution.