China has ordered a ban on exporting certain products to Japan in retaliation for comments by the Japanese Prime Minister, who said military force might be used if China attacks Taiwan.
Foreign news agencies reported on 6 Jan 2026 that the Chinese government has banned exports of certain rare earth minerals and other goods potentially usable for military purposes to Japan, emphasizing the ongoing tense relations after Japan's Prime Minister said military action could be taken if China invades Taiwan.
China's Ministry of Commerce stated in a Tuesday release that the export ban covers dual-use items—goods, services, and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes—with the order effective immediately.
Although the ministry did not specify exactly which exports are affected, the published list of dual-use items includes rare earth minerals, advanced electronics, aerospace and aviation components, drones, nuclear-related technologies, and other items.
Rare earth minerals are key components in a wide range of products, from everyday electronics and vehicles to advanced weapons systems like the F-35 fighter jet. It remains unclear how broadly these new restrictions will impact Japan.
Relations between China and Japan, two Asian powers, have rapidly deteriorated since Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament in November that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a “threat to Japan’s survival,” possibly prompting Tokyo to respond militarily.
China claims Taiwan as its territory despite never having governed the island and has vowed to annex Taiwan, using force if necessary.
Takaichi’s remarks deeply angered the Chinese government, which has since imposed several economic measures to pressure Japan into retracting the statements, including reducing flights to Japan, advising Chinese citizens against traveling or studying there, and suspending imports of Japanese seafood.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that the latest export ban was implemented to counter Takaichi’s “wrongful remarks” and to “protect national security and interests.”
“These statements constitute a serious interference in China’s internal affairs, a grave violation of the One-China principle, and have extremely harmful characteristics and effects,” the spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.
The spokesperson also warned that any organizations or individuals from any country violating this export ban within China will face legal action.
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Source:cnn