China on Monday put 20 more Japanese organisations on a blacklist over the export of items with both military and civilian possible uses, deepening a months-long row with Tokyo.
The Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement said the new additions, including major companies, “have participated in enhancing Japan’s military capabilities”.
Japan’s government spokesman Minoru Kihara said the measures “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”. He added Tokyo had “lodged a strong protest and demanded that the measures be withdrawn.”
The countries’ have been in a row since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo may react militarily to an attack on Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing has vowed to seize control of by force if necessary.
China responded by advising its citizens previously the biggest cohort of foreign tourists to avoid Japan.
Chinese authorities ramped up pressure in February by imposing export restrictions on dozens of Japanese firms it said were involved in building up Tokyo’s military.
The 20 additions to the export blacklist named on Monday include specialised subsidiaries and technology firms involved in supplying components and engineering support for Japan’s defence sector.
The statement listed the National Institute for Defense Studies and Mitsubishi Electric Defense and Space Technologies Corporation among those on the list.
China’s commerce ministry said the controls require exporters to submit risk assessments and guarantees that dual-use items will not enhance Japanese military strength prior to making shipments.