China bans certain rare earths and other exports to Japan for military purposes over TAKAICHI’s comments

Wednesday, January 7, 2026- China has announced an immediate ban on the export of certain rare earth elements and other dual‑use items to Japan if they are intended for military purposes, sharply escalating economic and diplomatic tensions between the two Asian powers. 

Beijing’s move comes in direct response to recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in which she suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be seen as an existential threat to Japan. China condemned those remarks as “provocative” and a violation of its core political principles, prompting the Commerce Ministry to impose controls targeting goods that have both civilian and military applications.

The restricted exports include rare earth elements — critical inputs for technologies ranging from consumer electronics and vehicles to advanced weapon systems — as well as items like advanced electronics components, aerospace and aviation parts, and drone‑related technologies. 

China’s decision bars shipments of these dual‑use materials to Japanese military end‑users or for any purpose that could enhance Japan’s defense capabilities, with legal penalties threatened for violations by individuals or organizations. Export controls are effective immediately and reflect Beijing’s effort to leverage its dominant position in key supply chains as a geopolitical tool in response to what it calls Tokyo’s “interference” in regional security matters.

Japan has strongly condemned the ban as “absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable,” warning that such measures deviate from international norms and could disrupt global industries heavily reliant on Chinese rare earths. 

Tokyo is urging Beijing to rescind the controls, even as analysts warn that prolonged restrictions could ripple through sectors like automotive, electronics, and defense manufacturing given Japan’s past dependence on Chinese rare earth imports. The standoff deepens broader Sino‑Japanese friction over Taiwan and raises urgent questions about supply‑chain security and regional strategic competition.