Tokyo protests as China blocks ‘dual-use’ exports to 20 Japanese companies

China’s Commerce Ministry says the move against Japanese firms will prevent the remilitarisation of Japan.Japan has strongly protested China’s move to restrict the export of “dual-use” items to 20 Japanese business entities that Beijing says could be used for military purposes, in the latest twist in a months-long diplomatic row between the two countries.Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato Kei said at a news conference that the move by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday was “deplorable” and would “not be tolerated” by Tokyo.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Suspect, four victims dead after stabbing attack in US state of Washingtonlist 2 of 4Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,462list 3 of 4Bolivia revives anti-drug alliance after nearly 18-year break with USlist 4 of 4Aid groups petition Israeli Supreme Court as Gaza, West Bank work ban nearsend of listCompanies affected by China’s export ban on dual-use items, or items that can be used for civilian or military purposes, include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shipbuilding group, aerospace and marine machinery subsidiaries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan’s National Defense Academy, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.Beijing said restricting the export of dual-use items to the Japanese firms was necessary to “safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation”, adding that the companies were involved in “enhancing Japan’s military strength”.China’s Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday that it would also add another 20 entities to its export restrictions watchlist, including Japanese automaker Subaru, petroleum company ENEOS Corporation, and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.Chinese exporters must submit a risk assessment report for each company to ensure “dual-use items will not be used for any purpose that would enhance Japan’s military strength”, according to a statement on the Commerce Ministry’s website.