China's Ministry of Commerce Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Tuesday placed 20 Japanese entities, including multiple affiliates of Mitsubishi Corp, on its export control list, banning the export of dual-use items to them over their role in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.

The move takes immediate effect from Tuesday under China's Export Control Law and regulations on export control of dual-use items, to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation obligations. It requires exporters to halt shipments of dual-use goods - items with both civilian and military applications - to the listed entities and prohibits foreign organizations or individuals from transferring or providing Chinese-origin dual-use items to them, according to a statement published by MOFCOM on Tuesday.

Any ongoing related activities must cease immediately. In exceptional cases where exports are deemed necessary, operators must apply to the MOFCOM for approval, read the statement.

The 20 entities included several affiliates of Mitsubishi Corp, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Co, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines, and multiple affiliates of IHI Corp, such as IHI Power Systems Co, IHI Jet Service Co and IHI Aerospace Engineering Co.

Apart from companies, National Defense Academy of Japan and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency were also on the list.

Also on Tuesday, MOFCOM placed 20 Japanese entities, including SUBARU Corporation, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and TDK Corporation, on a watch list after authorities said they were unable to verify the ultimate end users and end uses of exported dual-use items, according to a separate statement by the ministry.

Global Times