Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

Asked to confirm whether China's export controls on dual-use items to Japan announced on Tuesday include rare earth products, and to comment on Japan's protest to China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday referred the question to the competent Chinese authorities, saying Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan region infringe on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and constitute a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, while issuing a threat of force against China.

"To safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, China has taken measures in accordance with the law and regulations, which are fully reasonable and justified. We urge Japan to face the root of the problem, reflect and correct its mistakes, and retract Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks," Mao told a regular press conference.

Global Times