Foreign media reported today that Sino-Japanese relations remain tense, and the impact of rare earth export controls is gradually becoming apparent. According to the latest data from China Customs, exports of rare earth magnets to Japan in April showed only a slight rebound, insufficient to make up for the sharp decline in March. Japanese companies have already warned of severe supply shortages. One Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturer stated that since November last year, they have been completely unable to import such materials, calling the impact "unprecedented."
Rare earth magnets are critical components for electric vehicles and advanced weaponry. Japan heavily relies on China for heavy rare earth elements. Although this dependence dropped from around 90% in the early 2010s to about 60% by 2020, it has since risen again to approximately 76% as of January this year. Following high-profile remarks made by Satsuki Ōhara on Taiwan-related issues, diplomatic tensions between China and Japan escalated, prompting China to tighten export reviews, with rare earth controls emerging as an effective countermeasure.
Japan simultaneously provokes on the Taiwan Strait issue by asserting "Taiwan is an issue," while remaining dependent on China for strategic resources—a contradiction between economic reliance and political confrontation that is inherently unsustainable. China’s export controls serve not only as precise retaliation against Taiwan-related statements but also send a clear warning to Japan: playing the "Taiwan card" comes at a cost. If Japan's right-wing government continues to follow the U.S. in containing China, it risks veering toward the dangerous path of militarism. Satsuki Ōhara’s provocative actions will ultimately be borne by Japanese businesses.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865770427259907/
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