Khaberni - China has banned the export of dual-use materials that can be used for military purposes to Japan, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce released today, Tuesday, at a time when relations between the two countries are experiencing severe tension.
The decision is Beijing's latest response to statements made by the Japanese Prime Minister in November, in which she said that any Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered an existential threat to Japan.
In its statement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce emphasized the ban on exporting dual-use materials to military users or for any purposes that contribute to enhancing Japan’s military power, adding that any violation by organizations or individuals from any country will subject the perpetrator to legal accountability.
Dual-use materials are any goods, software, or technologies that can have both civilian and military applications, including some rare earth elements necessary for manufacturing drones and electronic chips.
A spokesperson for the Chinese ministry stated that Japanese officials have recently made misguided statements about Taiwan, and hinted at the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, adding: "This is a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and a serious violation of the One China principle, with very negative nature and consequences."
Relations between the two Asian countries have deteriorated after the statements of Japanese Prime Minister Taikeichi, which Beijing - which considers Taiwan a part of its territory - described as "provocative," and explicitly demanded Taikeichi to retract them.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry later questioned Japan's motives towards Taiwan, saying that its "provocations" could be a pretext to enhance its military forces and missions abroad.
In late December, the Japanese Cabinet approved a record spending package for the fiscal year that will begin in April, including a 3.8% increase to the annual military budget, reaching 9 trillion yen ($57.7 billion).
