China restricts over a thousand dual-use exports to Japan, including rare earths

China has imposed export controls on over a thousand dual-use items to Japan, including rare earth materials, effective immediately. This action follows Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks regarding Taiwan. The new regulations prohibit the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users or for military purposes. The list of controlled items encompasses rare earths, chemicals, drones, sensors, lasers, and nuclear-related materials and technologies. This move is a response to Japan's perceived "remilitarization" and recent statements on Taiwan. Concurrently, the Chinese military has commenced its first naval exercises of 2026 in the Yellow Sea.