The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answers questions from reporters on export control measures related to Japan

Q: On June 29, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce released the control list and attention list to the public. What are your considerations?

Answer: On February 24, 2026, China added 20 Japanese entities including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation to its export control list, and 20 Japanese entities including Subaru Corporation to its watch list, with the aim of stopping Japan's "re militarization" and nuclear attempts. Unfortunately, for some time now, the Japanese side has not shown remorse and has instead gone further down the wrong path, accelerating the pace of "new militarism", accelerating "re militarization", deploying offensive weapons, and launching offensive missiles overseas. In view of this, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations such as the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual Use Items of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese side decides:

One is to include 20 Japanese entities involved in enhancing Japan's military strength, including the Defense Research Institute, in the control list. The measures after listing mainly include two aspects. On the one hand, it is to prohibit export operators from exporting dual-use items to the above-mentioned entities. On the other hand, it is prohibited for overseas organizations and individuals to transfer or provide dual-use items originating in the People's Republic of China to the aforementioned entities. The ongoing related activities should be immediately stopped.

The second is to include 20 Japanese entities such as Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd. that cannot verify the end-users and ultimate uses of dual-use items in the watchlist. After listing, export operators who export dual-use items to the above-mentioned entities shall not apply for general licenses or obtain export certificates through registration and information filling; When applying for a single license, a risk assessment report should be submitted for the entities on the list of concerns, and a written commitment should be provided not to use dual-use items for any purpose that would contribute to enhancing Japan's military strength. The license review period is not limited by the deadline stipulated in Article 17, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual Use Items of the People's Republic of China. The Ministry of Commerce will implement stricter end-user and end use reviews on the export of dual-use items from entities on the watchlist. Exports involving Japanese military users, military purposes, and any other end-user purposes that contribute to enhancing Japan's military strength will not be approved. Entities listed on the watchlist may apply to be removed from the watchlist if they fulfill their obligation to cooperate with verification in accordance with Article 26 of the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual Use Items of the People's Republic of China. After verification by the Ministry of Commerce, it can be removed from the watchlist.

China's move is completely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful, aimed at resolutely curbing Japan's "new type of militarism" reckless actions. We hope that the Japanese side will turn back, change their wrong behavior, truly reflect and return to the right track. The act of listing by China in accordance with the law only targets a few Japanese entities, and the relevant measures only apply to dual-use items, which does not affect normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan. Japanese entities that are honest and law-abiding need not worry at all.