China cuts exports of 2 hi-tech metals to Japan, increases rare earth shipments

China has cut exports of two metals used in military technology to Japan while increasing shipments of rare earth magnets, in what could signal a muted warning after geopolitical tensions between the two Asian economies flared last year.Exports of Gallium to Japan registered zero volume in the first two months of the year, compared with 8,007kg (17,652 pounds) in the same period of 2025, customs data showed. Germanium exports were also at zero in January and February, compared with 400kg (882 pounds) a year earlier.The halt comes amid strained ties between Beijing and Tokyo, though Chinese officials have not publicly acknowledged any specific curbs targeting Japan’s access to the metals. In November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing by suggesting that a hypothetical attack on Taiwan could constitute an “existential threat” and warrant a military response.Two months later, Beijing banned exports of products with both commercial and military applications to end users linked to the Japanese military, after already halting group tours and suspending imports of Japanese seafood.Gallium and Germanium are crucial inputs for semiconductors, fibre-optic strands and renewable energy technologies, with both civilian and military uses. Germanium-based infrared optics can support military surveillance, while Gallium helps make semiconductor materials in radars and missile guidance systems.Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said that if China were deliberately restricting such exports, it might be seeking to deny Japan access to “dual-use” materials.“On other restrictions, Beijing indicated a desire to target military-use and dual-use sectors,” Chong said.