China has slapped trade restrictions on dozens of Japanese companies and research institutes, marking the latest escalation of tensions between the two Asian neighbors.
The Chinese commerce ministry on Monday added 20 Japanese entities, including some defense contractors, to its export control list. That would ban local exporters from providing dual-use products to these companies.
The move is aimed at safeguarding national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, the ministry said. It added that the entities on the list are involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.
Several Mitsubishi Group subsidiaries as well as research houses, including the National Institute for Defense Studies, are among those affected.
In a separate announcement on Monday, the Chinese commerce ministry added another 20 Japanese companies to a watch list covering Japan's drone and nuclear fuel sectors.
