MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong Photo: Tao Mingyang/GT

China's decision to tighten export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan was made in accordance with laws and regulations and is fully legitimate, reasonable and lawful, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday, adding that the move aims to curb the Japanese government's attempts at "remilitarization" and nuclear armament.

MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a press briefing, responding to media inquiries about whether the tightened dual-use export controls apply to all items on China's control list, including rare-earth-related products, and about which specific organizations and companies are covered by the ban on exports that could contribute to enhancing Japan's military capabilities.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question infringe upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, and amount to a threat of force against China, the spokesperson said.

Since taking office, Takaichi has pushed for revisions to Japan's "three national security documents," while people close to her have made remarks advocating nuclear armament, He said, adding that "these moves attempt to challenge the bottom line of the international community and expose the long-standing erroneous positions of Prime Minister Takaichi and Japan's right-wing forces, as well as their continued ambition on 'remilitarization'."

Such actions challenge the post-war international order and are bound to undermine regional peace and stability, endangering world peace and security, according to the spokesperson.

He stressed that as a responsible major country, China has consistently and actively fulfilled its international non-proliferation obligations.

"In accordance with laws and regulations, China has decided to prohibit the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for military purposes, and to any other end users or end uses that contribute to enhancing Japan's military capabilities," he added.

"The purpose of these measures is to curb attempts at 'remilitarization' and nuclear armament, and they are fully legitimate, reasonable and lawful," the spokesperson emphasized.

China remains committed to safeguarding the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains, He added, noting that items intended for civilian use will not be affected. There is therefore no need for concern among parties engaged in normal civilian trade.

Later on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao rebuffed a démarche lodged by Japan's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi Takehiro over China's strengthened export controls on dual-use items to Japan, according to a statement published by the Chinese Embassy.

Wu stressed that the measure aims to "safeguard national security and interests and fulfills international non-proliferation obligations. It is entirely justified, reasonable and lawful." China's position has been made clear and China will proceed with relevant measures as planned, the ambassador noted.

The MOFCOM announced on Tuesday a decision to tighten export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan, citing national security and non-proliferation obligations.

The current difficulties in China-Japan relations are entirely attributable to Japan's actions, said Chen Zilei, director of the Research Center for Japanese Economics at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, adding that repeated irresponsible stances by Japanese politicians on issues involving China's core interests have severely eroded bilateral political trust and undermined long-standing peace and stability in East Asia.

If Japanese officials continue to deny their serious mistakes and sidestep the root causes of bilateral tensions, China may take further measures to safeguard its rights, and Japan will pay a heavy price for its politicians' actions, Chen warned.