The Ministry of Commerce on Monday added 20 Japanese entities, including the National Institute for Defense Studies, to its export control list to safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation.

Export operators are prohibited from exporting dual-use items to these entities. Overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing dual-use items originating in China to these entities. Any related activities currently under way shall be halted immediately, according to an announcement released by the ministry.

Also on Monday, the ministry placed 20 Japanese entities, including Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd., on a watch list because their end users and end uses of dual-use items cannot be verified.

The ministry will implement stricter reviews of end-users and end-uses for exports of dual-use items to entities on the watch list, and will not approve any exports involving Japanese military end-users, military end-uses or any other end-users and end-uses that contribute to enhancing Japan's military capabilities, it added.

A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the aforementioned measures were taken in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, including the country's export control law and the export control regulation for dual-use items.

The measures are completely justified, reasonable and lawful, aimed at resolutely curbing Japan's reckless moves toward neo-militarism, the spokesperson said in response to a media inquiry.

The spokesperson noted that Japan has not changed its course but has instead gone further down the wrong path by accelerating its neo-militarism and remilitarisation, deploying offensive weapons and launching offensive missiles beyond its borders.

"China's lawful action of listing only targets a small number of Japanese entities. The relevant measures apply only to dual-use items, which does not affect the normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan."

The spokesperson added that Japanese entities that act in good faith and comply with the law have no cause for concern.

The Japanese government said the new export controls were "unacceptable and deeply regrettable" and demanded that they be withdrawn. (Xinhua and agencies)



Edited by Thomas McAlinden