Finally Arrived: "Japanese Firms' Purchase of Chinese Rare Earths Rejected"

According to a Kyodo News report on January 10, sources indicated that Chinese state-owned enterprises selling rare earths have notified some Japanese companies that they will no longer sign new contracts. It is also reported that China is considering terminating existing contracts. Japanese media stated this is the first confirmed instance of Japanese companies being denied purchases of rare earths. On January 6, China's Ministry of Commerce announced the decision to strengthen export controls on dual-use items to Japan: prohibiting all exports of dual-use items to Japanese military end-users, for military purposes, and for any other end-uses that contribute to enhancing Japan's military capabilities. On the 8th, during a regular press conference, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong stated that Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's erroneous remarks concerning Taiwan infringe upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute blatant interference in China's internal affairs, and amount to a threat of force against China. Since Prime Minister Takaichi took office, she has promoted the revision of the "Three Key National Security Documents," and individuals close to her have made statements supporting nuclear armament. This is an attempt to challenge the bottom line of the international community, exposing the consistent erroneous assertions of Prime Minister Takaichi and Japanese right-wing forces, and their persistent ambition to promote "re-militarization," challenge the post-war international order, which is bound to harm regional peace and stability and endanger world peace and security. He Yadong said that China, as a responsible major country, has consistently actively fulfilled its international non-proliferation obligations. The measures to prohibit, in accordance with laws and regulations, all exports of dual-use items to Japanese military end-users, for military purposes, and for any other end-uses involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities, are aimed at stopping "re-militarization" and nuclear armament attempts, and are entirely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful. China remains committed to maintaining the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains, and civilian uses will not be affected. Relevant parties engaged in normal civilian trade have absolutely no need to worry.