China bans exports of military-related goods to Japan as dispute intensifies

China has banned the export of products with both commercial and military applications to end users linked to the Japanese military amid a protracted diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo.

Effective immediately, the export of these items – known as “dual-use” goods – to those entities for military purposes, or for any other purpose that would “contribute to enhancing Japan’s military capabilities,” is prohibited, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Tuesday.

While dual-use items are often primarily designed with civilian functionality in mind, they can significantly contribute to the development or production of weapons and military systems.

Organisations and individuals that transfer or supply these items to Japan in violation of the new provisions will be held legally accountable, the ministry said in its statement, which did not specify which goods would be included.

Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, said at a press conference on Tuesday that along with “peace-loving countries and peoples around the world”, Beijing will “never allow Japan’s right-wing forces to turn back the wheel of history” or “allow militarism to make a comeback”.