China has banned exports to Japan of dual-use items that can be used for military and civilian purposes, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke critically of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

CNN reports that the export ban includes some rare earth elements, as well as advanced electronics, aerospace and aviation components, drones and nuclear-related technology. China’s Commerce Ministry said the controls would be implemented immediately and assessed on a case-by-case basis, while Japan’s government has yet to announce any retaliatory trade measures. 

This comes in the wake of comments made in parliament by Takaichi in November 2025, when she said that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would threaten Japan's survival. Since those comments, China has also warned its citizens against traveling to or studying in Japan. It also suspended Japanese seafood imports in late November. The latest trade restrictions related to dual-use item exports were announced on January 6, with China's Commerce Ministry labeling Takaichi's critique as a "crude inference in China's internal affairs."

The export curbs risk disrupting supply chains for Japanese industries that depend on Chinese technology and rare earth minerals, particularly manufacturers of electronics, aerospace equipment and industrial machinery, where dual-use components are commonly found in civilian products. Rare earth elements are also commonly used in advanced weapon systems, including fighter jets, guided missiles and communications equipment.