International community should coordinate export controls with China to curb Japan's neo-militarism

Editor's note: Shi Xiaoli is a professor at the International Law School, China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

China's Ministry of Commerce added 20 Japanese entities to its export control list on June 29, including the National Institute for Defense Studies and Nikko Tokki Co., Ltd., which are involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.

A further 20 Japanese entities, including Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd. and Terra Drone Corporation, which are unable to have their dual-use items' end-users and end-uses verified, were placed on a watch list.

This marks the second time China has included Japanese entities on its export control list and watch list.

Compared with the first batch, the newly listed entities cover a broader range of defense-related enterprises and research institutions, including companies engaged in military radar and missile R&D and production, military drone manufacturers, nuclear-related enterprises, and military research organizations.

According to the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce is authorized to take necessary measures against entities on the control list, including prohibiting or restricting transactions involving controlled items, and ordering the suspension of relevant exports.

Exports involving Japanese military users, military purposes, or any other end use that may contribute to strengthening Japan's military capability will not be approved.

The inclusion of Japanese entities in China's export control list and watch lists is in full compliance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China. It is a necessary measure to safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and it also reflects internationally accepted practice.

The recent announcements, together with previous export control measures, form an integrated part of China's export control framework for Japan. Given the severity of the threat of Japanese neo-militarism, China has imposed strict export control measures on Japan, while also seeking to maintain normal bilateral trade relations.

Firstly, the scope of controlled items is highly extensive, covering all dual-use items in China's export control catalog when exported to Japan.

Secondly, the scope of restricted end-users and end-uses is strictly defined, with detailed addresses of listed Japanese entities provided to ensure the continuation of legitimate commercial trade between China and Japan. Restrictions are limited to military end-users, military purposes, and other end uses contributing to enhancing Japan's military capability, while entities engaged in purely civilian activities are not subject to undue concern, as such measures are not expected to affect their normal economic and trade operations.

Thirdly, the measures extend extraterritorially, prohibiting any organization or individual, regardless of country or region, from transferring or supplying Chinese-origin dual-use items to listed Japanese entities.

The imposition of strict export controls on Japan is the result of a prudent and responsible assessment by the Chinese government. It is necessary for safeguarding China's national security, regional security, and international peace and stability, and its necessity, legitimacy, and legality are beyond question.

China's strengthened export control measures aim to curb Japan's neo-militarism. In recent years, the Japanese government has increasingly viewed China and other countries as its primary strategic threats and challenges, repeatedly making provocative statements that undermine peace and security.

Moreover, Japan has revised its longstanding policy frameworks such as the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology", significantly increased defense spending to become a major military spender, substantially relaxed restrictions on arms exports, revitalized defense production capacity and begun exporting lethal weapons, deployed missile systems and other offensive weapons, and frequently engaged in military exercises and military cliques. Japan's remilitarization process has accelerated markedly, drawing strong opposition from people in Japan and neighboring countries.