UPDATE 2 - Tokyo urges China to end blacklisting Japanese firms over military concerns

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY

​​​​​By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tokyo on Tuesday lodged a “strong protest” with Beijing, and demanded the lifting of export controls placed by China on Japanese firms over military concerns.

China’s Commerce Ministry early Tuesday placed 20 Japanese entities on its export control list, citing concerns over Japan’s military buildup and the need to safeguard China’s national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation obligations.

“The move is absolutely intolerable and extremely regrettable,” said Japanese official Kei Sato.

He said the Japanese government will “assess the possible impact and consider necessary responses.”

Among the companies named is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., a major defense and shipbuilding contractor.

Chinese export operators are prohibited from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, according to the ministry.

It added that foreign organizations and individuals are also barred from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to the designated firms.

“These measures aim to curb Japan's ‘remilitarization’ and nuclear ambitions, and are entirely legitimate, reasonable, and legal,” said the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

The ministry said any ongoing related export activities must cease immediately.

​​​​​​​- Export controls aim to 'stop Japan from remilitarization,' says Beijing

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday said that the measure was taken to safeguard Beijing's “national security and interests and abide by the international obligations of non-proliferation.”

China has taken measures in accordance with “laws and regulations,” she added.

The aim of the export controls is “to stop Japan from remilitarization and its attempts at possessing nuclear weapons,” Mao said, calling them “completely right, legitimate, and lawful,” she added.

The measures took effect on Tuesday.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry's top Asian affairs official Masaaki Kanai lodged a "strong protest" with Shi Yong, the deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.

In a demarche to Shi, Kanai demanded the withdrawal of "absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable" measures, according to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Tensions between China and Japan have escalated since last November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province though it has governed itself since 1949. Beijing has vowed to reunify the island, including by force if necessary.

The remarks triggered a backlash from China.

*Islamuddin Sajid in Pakistan contributed to this story