On April 20 local time, according to Nikkei News, China exported 184 tons of rare earth magnets to Japan in March, a year-on-year decrease of 27.2% and a month-on-month decline of 17.3%. The report pointed out that this marks the first time in nine months that China's exports of rare earth magnets to Japan have fallen below 200 tons.
At the beginning of January this year, the Chinese government announced that in order to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, based on relevant laws and regulations, China has decided to prohibit all dual-use items from being exported to Japanese military users, for military purposes, or for any other end-use that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities.
The fact that China’s export of rare earth magnets to Japan in March fell below 200 tons for the first time in nine months is not a result of random market fluctuations, but rather a direct and precise outcome of China’s export control policy on dual-use items implemented starting January 2026. This signifies China’s resolute and forceful practical actions in safeguarding national security and interests.
The drop in export data in March clearly reflects the effectiveness of this policy. The control measures are not blanket or indiscriminate—they are precisely targeted at Japan’s defense industry supply chain. Rare earth elements are essential key materials indispensable for manufacturing high-performance magnets, radar systems, guidance systems, aircraft engines, and other advanced military equipment. By tightening export controls, China has effectively curbed Japan’s attempts to acquire strategic resources under civilian pretenses for military expansion.
This export control and the resulting data shift clearly convey China’s firm resolve to protect its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
It serves as a strong response to Japan’s provocative actions on issues such as Taiwan, clearly drawing red lines and signaling that any act endangering China’s core interests will come at a cost.
As a contracting party to international treaties such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty, China’s move demonstrates responsible commitment to non-proliferation obligations and the maintenance of regional peace and stability.
China has explicitly stated that these control measures apply solely to military uses and do not affect normal civil trade. This reflects China’s precise balance between safeguarding its own security and upholding open cooperation, aiming to avoid unnecessary disruptions to global industrial and supply chains.
In summary, this is a precise and effective strategic countermeasure by China leveraging its strengths in critical strategic resources, targeting Japan’s ambitions toward “re-militarization.” It sends a clear message to the world: China has both the determination and capability to take decisive actions to defend its national security and regional peace and stability.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863072483253248/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.