China is exacerbating the crisis: a severe blow to a power that is preparing for war

China announced this week another step in exacerbating the serious crisis with Japan, which refuses to die down and puts the two most important powers in the East on a collision course. This time, the Chinese government is taking a clear step whose purpose is to harm Japan’s ability to strengthen militarily and prepare for war, after decades of anti-war policy.

• China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday announced a ban on the export of “dual-use” products to Japan, a move that further exacerbates tensions between the two countries.
• The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that it is forbidden to export products that can be used in Japan for both civilian and military needs to military forces, as well as to any other end user that may contribute to strengthening Japan’s military capabilities.
• According to the announcement, any person or entity that violated the ban and transfers or supplies products made in China to Japanese entities is expected to face legal consequences, regardless of the country from which they operate.
• The Chinese announcement did not specify which products are included in the ban, but it was noted that some of the exports, especially in the field of technology such as drones and navigation systems, could be adapted for military use.

• In Japan they reacted strongly. Masaki Kanai, head of the Asia and Oceania Division of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, strongly protested to the Chinese vice consul Xi Yong.
• According to the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Kanai said that this is a measure that is directed exclusively against Japan, exceeds international norms, and is unacceptable, and demanded that it be canceled.

• Relations between the two countries deteriorated badly late last year, after Japanese Prime Minister Sana Takaichi said the Japanese military might be involved if China took action against Taiwan, saying the move might lead to the mobilization of Japanese emergency forces.
• In December, Japan said that Chinese military planes had “locked radar” on Japanese fighter jets, even though they had what was defined as a “safe distance” between them.
• At the same time, Tokyo is promoting moves to significantly increase its military capabilities, including doubling the annual armaments budget, in order to deal with what it sees as growing threats from China.

• As part of the crisis between the two countries, senior officials and officials in China attacked Japan and its leader with harsh and harsh words, which are very far from acceptable diplomatic discourse.
• China banned the import of various products from Japan, such as food products and agricultural and marine products, banned the screening of Japanese films and warned its citizens against visiting Japan.

• Last week, China held a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan for two days, which it said was designed to warn against separatist forces and outside forces.

• At the same time, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attacked both Japan and what he called pro-independence forces in Taiwan.
• According to him, the current Japanese leadership is openly challenging China’s territorial sovereignty and the international order after World War II.
• In addition, in a meeting held in Beijing with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, this week Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned the historical rivalry of China and Korea with Japan, and called on the two countries to cooperate to protect the results of the victory in World War II and maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia.