China Unveils New Export Controls on Japan Amid Taiwan Tensions on 7 January 2026

Key facts

• China’s Ministry of Commerce banned the export of dual-use items with military applications to Japan.
• The export ban is intended to safeguard national security and applies to all goods that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities.
• Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Sanae Takaichi stated in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would be a survival-threatening situation for Japan, meeting the threshold for collective self-defence.
• The Chinese military recently conducted live-fire drills that simulated a blockade of the island of Taiwan following President Xi Jinping's New Year’s address.
• Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a protest against the measures, with officials stating the ban was absolutely unacceptable and did not comply with international practice.
• Taiwan’s governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) considers the island a de facto independent country, although it is not officially recognised by most nations, including Japan.