China’s restrictions on exporting critical minerals to Japan are intended to influence Japan’s military policies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated this on Monday. In January, China’s commerce ministry imposed stricter controls on the export of items with potential military uses to Japan. These regulations prevent any party from transferring ‘dual-use’ goods to Japanese military end users. The move followed comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, linking Japan’s security with Taiwan, which China claims.

February saw tighter restrictions without a full list of items affected. However, rare earth elements and other crucial minerals are among them. These are essential for advanced technology production. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, explained that the aim is to curb Japan’s military expansion and nuclear ambitions.

Takaichi spoke in November, stating that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan would threaten Japan’s survival, allowing Tokyo to assist U.S. forces with its Self-Defense Forces. While Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have strong capabilities, they are legally limited to defending Japan’s homeland. Recent years have seen Japanese leaders, notably former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, push for a larger military role due to concerns over China’s military growth.

Since October, Takaichi has maintained this policy, supported by a significant majority in the National Diet’s House of Representatives. Japan’s defense spending is moving towards 2 percent of GDP to match NATO members’ standards. In April, Japan eased restrictions on defense exports, allowing weapon sales to friendly countries subject to approval.

Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Japan’s defense buildup with U.S. President Donald Trump during a Beijing meeting. Xi criticized Japan’s defense spending increases, surprising U.S. officials. Shortly after Trump’s China visit, the U.S. president reiterated America’s strong alliance with Japan. Japan hosts about 54,000 U.S. troops across 15 major bases and over 100 smaller facilities.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reassured that Japan’s defense posture remains unchanged. ‘Japan has a minimum defense capability to protect Japan,’ he said. Japan remains committed to peace, and this stance will continue.

This week, Japan will host another key U.S. ally, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marking the first visit by a Philippine leader to Japan in more than ten years. His discussions with Takaichi are expected to focus on defense and energy security.

China’s Mineral Dominance

China controls the rare earth supply chain, producing over 90 percent of rare earth magnets, crucial for modern electronics. Japanese manufacturers produce the remaining percentage but still depend on China for heavy rare earth elements.

According to Reuters, in February, there were no exports of gallium, terbium, and dysprosium from China, and only small shipments of yttrium oxide were recorded.

This is not the first time China has used its rare earth dominance strategically. Last year, Beijing restricted exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs and semiconductor access restrictions. In 2010, China imposed an unofficial embargo on rare earth exports to Japan following a maritime dispute.

Recently, Japanese commerce chief Ryosei Akazawa visited Suzhou for an APEC trade ministers meeting, marking the highest-level Japanese visit to China since tensions started. Although largely ignored during the visit, Akazawa briefly spoke with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.