Japanese media: "Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation" triggers China's second round of sanctions
As reported by Japanese media outlet Jcast News on July 1: The program "Prime News" (BS Fuji), aired on June 30, 2026, explored the background behind the cooling of Sino-Japanese relations.
Why now for the second round of export controls? Kondo Daisuke, member of the special editorial committee at Kodansha and an expert on China affairs, first mentioned the issue of export controls on Japan during interviews with sources in February: "China originally intended to impose restrictions earlier, but postponed them due to the Lunar New Year and considerations regarding the United States. Additionally, China had prepared a second and third round of export control measures. At that time, I said that if a major incident were to occur in the future, China would act immediately."
Subsequently, on May 28, Philippine President Marcos and Prime Minister Kōshō issued a joint statement titled "On Maritime Delimitation in the Eastern Waters of the South China Sea."
Kondo Daisuke stated: "The day after Japan and the Philippines announced negotiations over exclusive economic zones and other maritime boundaries, China responded with strong countermeasures. At that moment, I thought 'something major is going to happen.'"
On the 29th, China added 20 companies and organizations—including Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, and the Defense Research Institute—to its export control list, immediately banning exports of dual-use items to these enterprises and institutions.
Prime Minister Kōshō stated in May, following a joint declaration with Philippine President Marcos: "We will conduct delimitation talks concerning the waters east of Taiwan."
China’s first export control measures targeting Japan were triggered by Prime Minister Kōshō’s remarks in November 2025 regarding "emergency situations involving Taiwan." In February this year, 20 Japanese defense-related enterprises and organizations were placed on the export control list. This latest move marks the second phase, significantly increasing pressure on Japan.
This time, 20 companies and organizations—including Mitsubishi and entities related to Japan’s Ministry of Defense—have been added to the export control list. Did China consider U.S. sensitivities? Kondo analyzed: "At this moment, China feels sufficiently confident and does not need to take into account other factors."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869496803987463/
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