On Monday, June 29th, China imposed new export controls on forty Japanese entities in order to strengthen themselves militarily. Tensions heightened when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan could intervene with force if China also used force against Taiwan, which is under Chinese control. Half of the Japanese entities that China placed export controls on were also added to a control list made by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.  

This conflict began in February, when China added 20 entities to its watch list. According to a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Japan has shown no remorse and has consistently pushed a new military style that is increasing tension (C.N.B.C.). China is claiming their actions are only defensive; however, Japan disagrees. According to A.P. News, a Japanese spokesperson called the Chinese impositions “unacceptable and extremely regrettable.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara asserted that Japan would take necessary measures to defend themselves against the Chinese impositions.

Japanese and Chinese tensions will only continue to rise, as neither plan on backing down from their defensive positions. If peace is to come, it must begin with both countries revoking their impositions. Currently, both China and Japan seem to be gearing up for a potential war that, for the sake of the globe, should not occur. Aggression is not the response needed from two dominating world powers, especially considering China’s leverage in minerals and materials. 

For over 10 years, Japan has invested in refining domestic goods in order to lessen their reliance on Chinese goods. They have been avoiding reliance on China for quite some time. It is currently unclear what the next steps are for both countries, but it can be assumed that there is no intention of softening their defenses.