China–Japan tensions deepen as trade curbs and diplomatic rhetoric persist

BEIJING (Journos News) – Diplomatic and economic frictions between China and Japan intensified through the end of the week, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Beijing defended new export controls it imposed on Japan, while Tokyo reported delays affecting some Japanese shipments to China, highlighting how political disputes are spilling into trade.

The developments capped several days of heightened tension, marked by sharp rhetoric from Chinese state media, renewed concerns over security policy, and Beijing’s contrastingly warm engagement with South Korea during a high-profile visit.

Export controls remain in place

Late Thursday, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo said it had formally rejected a request from Japan’s Foreign Ministry to withdraw newly announced export controls on so-called “dual-use” items — goods that can have both civilian and military applications. China’s ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, said the measures were “entirely legitimate, reasonable and lawful,” framing them as necessary for national security.

The controls were announced amid growing political strains following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said in November that Japan would not rule out involvement if China were to use force against Taiwan. Beijing considers the self-governed island part of its territory and has repeatedly said it reserves the right to take it by force, a stance underscored by large-scale military exercises near Taiwan late last month.

Chinese officials have not indicated that the export measures are temporary, and there has been no public signal from either side of imminent talks aimed at easing the dispute.

Japanese exports face delays

On Friday, Japanese officials said they were monitoring reports that some Japanese exports to China were being delayed, particularly agricultural, fisheries and processed food products. Kyodo News reported that outgoing shipments of sake and other processed foods were being held up, citing trade industry sources.

Officials at the government-affiliated Japan External Trade Organization told The Associated Press that delays on the Chinese customs side had begun in late November. Kyodo reported that some industry sources viewed sake as a possible symbolic target amid the diplomatic friction.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara acknowledged awareness of the reports but declined to comment on individual commercial transactions.

“It is important that agricultural, fisheries and other exports from Japan are smoothly carried out,” Kihara said. “We will closely watch the situation and take appropriate measures.” He did not specify what actions the government might take if the delays continue.

State media rhetoric escalates

Political tensions were further inflamed by commentary in China’s state media. On Friday, the Communist Party’s flagship newspaper, People’s Daily, published an editorial sharply criticizing what it described as Japan’s “new militarism.”

“New militarism will lead Japan back into the abyss,” the editorial said. “History serves as a stark warning, yet the Japanese right wing is repeating its old tricks.”

The commentary followed several days of pointed criticism directed at Japan’s leadership, particularly after Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. China’s messaging has been consistent in warning against any foreign involvement in the Taiwan issue, which it treats as a core national interest.

Notably, the language used by People’s Daily and other official outlets has drawn a distinction between Japan’s political leadership and its population. The editorial urged “peace-loving Japanese people” to remain vigilant toward their government, placing responsibility on right-wing elements within Japan’s political landscape.

“Japan’s future lies not in the dangerous fantasies painted by the right wing, but in the thorough reckoning with its history of aggression,” the editorial said.

Historical sensitivities remain close to the surface

Relations between China and Japan are shaped by a long and often painful history. Japan colonized Taiwan in 1895, and the two countries fought major conflicts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the first half of the 20th century, Imperial Japan occupied large parts of China, leaving enduring grievances that continue to influence political discourse.

Despite those legacies, the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for decades and are deeply interconnected economically. They cooperate on a range of regional and global issues, but periods of tension frequently see historical narratives and national security concerns resurface in official statements and media coverage.

Rare earths add economic pressure

Japan has also raised concerns about the broader impact of China’s export controls, particularly in relation to rare earths, which are critical to industries ranging from electronics to automotive manufacturing.

Kihara said existing Chinese controls on rare earth exports have already had a “serious impact on global supply chains,” adding that Japan believes international trade in such materials should proceed without disruption.

Industry and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said he could not confirm whether the latest dual-use restrictions included additional rare earth measures. However, he acknowledged that Japan is highly exposed, noting that around 70% of the rare earths it imports come from China.

“Rare earths are extremely important minerals, and the export controls have already affected our country tremendously,” Akazawa said. He declined to comment on whether Japan was considering any retaliatory steps.

Beijing highlights ties with South Korea

Against the backdrop of strained relations with Tokyo, Beijing has emphasized improving ties with South Korea. During a visit this week by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the two sides signed export contracts worth millions of dollars, and Lee described the talks as opening “a new chapter in the development of Korea-China relations.”

Chinese state media gave extensive coverage to the visit, contrasting with recent reports that warned Chinese citizens about potential safety risks when traveling to Japan. Media outlets also reported that the number of Chinese travelers heading to South Korea over the New Year period surpassed those traveling to Japan.

The juxtaposition has been widely interpreted by analysts as a signal of Beijing’s readiness to reward cooperative partners while applying pressure on those it sees as challenging its security interests.

A small diplomatic note amid tensions

Despite the broader strains, there was a brief moment of diplomatic courtesy on Friday. At a regular Foreign Ministry briefing in Beijing, spokesperson Mao Ning was informed of the death of a former Japanese ambassador to China. She expressed China’s condolences, a gesture that, while symbolic, stood out amid an otherwise tense week.

For now, however, both sides appear entrenched, with political disagreements increasingly reflected in trade measures and public messaging. There has been no indication that the current standoff will ease in the near term.