China widens Japan export curbs, targeting drone makers, nuclear firms and defense institutes

China escalated tensions with Japan on Monday by blacklisting four Japanese government defense research institutes and imposing stricter export restrictions on dozens of other Japanese entities. The Ministry of Commerce added 20 entities to the export control list and placed another 20, including Mitsui E&S Co., Terra Drone Corporation, and OKI Electric Industry units, on a watch list requiring enhanced licensing scrutiny. Both actions take immediate effect.

The ministry stated that they would implement “stricter end-user and end-use reviews on exports of dual-use items by entities on the watch list.” They also mentioned that exports involving Japanese military users or uses that contribute to enhancing Japan’s military strength would not be approved.

This move comes after China prohibited exports of dual-use items to 20 Japanese entities in February, accusing Japan of accelerating its push towards “new-style militarism” by deploying offensive weapons and launching offensive missiles overseas.

Please stay tuned for updates on this developing story.