China’s dual-use export ban on Japan a decisive escalation

Export restrictions put into place by China on Tuesday on goods bound for Japan could put established trade flows at risk, as the list of dual-use products potentially covered by the ban is wide ranging and diverse.

The move is the latest in a series of escalatory measures following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year on Taiwan. In response to the comments, in which Takaichi suggested that a military response might be warranted if the island is attacked, China has encouraged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan, and it has halted imports of Japanese seafood.

Its ban on the export to Japan of dual-use items — products that have military and civilian use — is potentially far more damaging than earlier retaliatory measures.