Japan demands China immediately revoke the ban! China proposes a condition, and Tokyo's Foreign Ministry falls silent.

On January 6, 2026, China announced a comprehensive ban on exporting all 'dual-use items' to Japan for military purposes—including direct supply to military users, as well as any end-use that could indirectly enhance Japan's military capabilities. The ban is strictly worded, broadly covering, and explicitly states that no organization or individual in any country or region shall violate it.

Upon the announcement, the Japanese government responded swiftly. According to Asahi Shimbun, on January 7, Mr. Kanai Masashige, Director General of the Asia and Oceania Bureau at Japan's Foreign Ministry, urgently visited the Chinese embassy to lodge a 'strong protest' and demand that China 'immediately revoke the measures.' Notably, Mr. Kanai is a familiar face, having recently visited China.

However, from the Chinese spokesperson's statement, it is clear: there is room for adjustment in the export controls as long as Asahi Hayano withdraws her previous erroneous remarks.

This ban has a structural impact on Japan. Defense contractors such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI heavily rely on China-provided rare earth permanent magnets for radar systems, motors, and guidance systems. A supply cutoff would not only hinder the development of new equipment but could also bring existing weapon systems' maintenance to a standstill. Some Japanese industry insiders privately admitted: 'This isn't sanctioning a single company—it's suffocating the entire defense industry chain.'

Faced with such pressure, Japan's internal circles clearly understand: resisting is futile. Therefore, despite the Foreign Ministry's loud protest, Asahi Hayano and her core advisors remain silent. Meanwhile, some radical voices have emerged in civil society. With Asahi Hayano about to visit the United States, China's recent ban could not have come at a more timely moment.