Beijing’s trade restrictions target JapanAFP, BEIJINGChina yesterday imposed export restrictions on dozens of Japanese firms that it said were involved in building up Tokyo’s military, escalating a months-long row. A man walks past Mitsubishi Heavy Industries signage outside the company’s headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. Shares in Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd sank almost 5 percent in Tokyo, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shed close to 4 percent and IHI Corp tumbled nearly 7 percent. Several of the firms listed are active in the defense industry, manufacturing kits including ships, fighter jets and missiles for the Japanese military. Japanese firms dealing with China were already struggling with delays in getting approvals, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies professor emeritus of Japan-China relations Noriyuki Kawamura said.

Source: Taipei Times February 24, 2026 17:13 UTC