TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) \u2014 China imposed new export controls Monday on 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to the country’s “remilitarization,” as tensions with Tokyo rise. <\/p>\n
Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been increasingly tense since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi<\/a> last year implied Japan could intervene<\/a> if China used military force against Taiwan, an island democracy China claims as its own. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Japan has accelerated its military expansion, especially by adding offensive capabilities, which Beijing has condemned. <\/p>\n China’s Commerce Ministry on Monday placed 20 Japanese entities, including multiple divisions of Mitsubishi Corporation, on a control list, which prohibits Chinese and foreign exporters from selling to them dual-use items made in China. Dual-use items can be used for both civilian and military purposes. <\/p>\n Additionally, 20 other entities have been added to a watch list for dual-use items, according to the ministry. It includes Mitsui E&S, which makes engines and other equipment for ships, as well as divisions of Fujitsu and Komatsu corporations. <\/p>\n Chinese companies exporting to these firms will be required to apply for special licenses, submit risk assessment reports on the Japanese companies and written pledges that the dual-use items will not be used for military purposes. <\/p>\n Beijing and Tokyo spar over export measures <\/p>\n The export controls are “entirely justified, reasonable and lawful,” the Chinese Commerce Ministry said, adding they are aimed at “firmly deterring Japan’s reckless pursuit of ‘new militarism.'” <\/p>\n “We hope Japan will recognize its mistakes, reverse its wrongful course, genuinely reflect on its past and return to the right track,” it added. <\/p>\n Japan’s top government spokesperson called the curbs as “unacceptable and extremely regrettable,” while calling on Beijing to retract the measures. <\/p>\n Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Monday that Japan would take necessary countermeasures after thoroughly assessing the curbs and their impact. <\/p>\n Under Takaichi, Japan’s military has been equipped with more offensive capabilities, including long-range missiles on remote islands. Exports of lethal weapons are now allowed under a new policy. Japan will revise its defense and security documents by December, which could further increase its defense budget. <\/p>\n On Monday, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force announced the deployment of a Type-12 missile launcher on the southernmost remote island of Minamitorishima, an apparent response to China’s growing activity expanding into the Pacific. <\/p>\n The curbs serve as a diplomatic message, an expert says <\/p>\n