Beijing, Jan 6 (EFE).- China announced on Tuesday the immediate tightening of export controls on dual-use products to Japan, a measure that affects goods with possible military applications and which comes in a context of growing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that the export to Japan of all dual-use items intended for military use, military purposes or any use that may contribute to strengthening Japanese military capabilities is prohibited.
The decision came into force from the moment of its publication.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the move comes in response to Japanese leaders recently making “erroneous” statements about Taiwan, in which they indicated the possibility of military intervention in Taiwan, which, according to Beijing, constitutes serious interference in its internal affairs and a violation of the “One-China principle.”
The spokesperson said these statements were “extremely malicious” and with serious consequences.
The announcement also underlined that organizations or individuals from any country or region that transfer or facilitate dual-use products originating in China to Japan in violation of the regulations may face legal liability, in accordance with the Chinese export control law.
The restrictions follow statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November in which she suggested that an eventual use of force by China on Taiwan could justify the intervention of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
Products classified by Beijing as dual-use include, among others, aerospace engine components, graphite and certain tungsten alloys.
This latest development marks a further deterioration in bilateral relations between China and Japan in recent weeks, marked by exchanges of diplomatic protests, friction over Taiwan and recurring tensions in the East China Sea, where the two countries have territorial disputes. EFE
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