Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Responds to Questions on Export Control Measures Related to Japan

Q: On June 29, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce released a control list and a watch list. What considerations were behind this move?

A: On February 24, 2026, China placed 20 Japanese entities, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation, onto the export control list, and 20 Japanese entities, including Subaru Corporation, onto the watch list, with the aim of curbing Japan's "remilitarization" and nuclear ambitions. Regrettably, over the past period, Japan has not repented but instead gone further down the wrong path, accelerating the pace of "neo-militarism," speeding up "remilitarization," deploying offensive weapons, and launching offensive missiles from overseas. In light of this, in accordance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items, China has decided as follows:

First, 20 Japanese entities involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities, including the National Defense Research Institute, have been added to the control list. The measures after inclusion mainly consist of two aspects: First, prohibiting export operators from exporting dual-use items to the above entities. Second, prohibiting overseas organizations and individuals from transferring or providing dual-use items originating from the People's Republic of China to the above entities. Relevant activities currently underway must cease immediately.

Second, 20 Japanese entities, including Mitsui E&S Corporation, for which the end-users and end-uses of dual-use items cannot be verified, have been added to the watch list. After inclusion, export operators exporting dual-use items to the above entities may not apply for general licenses or obtain export credentials by submitting registration information; when applying for individual licenses, they must submit a risk assessment report on the entities on the watch list and provide a written commitment that the dual-use items will not be used for any purpose contributing to the enhancement of Japan's military capabilities. The license review period is not subject to the time limit set forth in Article 17, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. The Ministry of Commerce will conduct stricter end-user and end-use reviews for exports of dual-use items to entities on the watch list, and exports involving Japanese military users, military uses, and all other end users and uses that contribute to the enhancement of Japan's military capabilities will not be approved. Entities on the watch list that fulfill their obligation to cooperate with verification in accordance with Article 26 of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items may apply to be removed from the watch list. After verification, the Ministry of Commerce may remove them from the watch list.

China's move is entirely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful, aimed at resolutely curbing Japan's reckless "neo-militarism." We hope Japan will turn back from the wrong path, change its erroneous practices, truly reflect, and return to the right track. China's actions in placing entities on the lists in accordance with the law are directed only at a small number of Japanese entities, and the relevant measures are only applicable to dual-use items, without affecting normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan. Law-abiding Japanese entities have nothing to worry about.

(Editor: Wen Jing)

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