China Bans Key Exports to Japan Amid Taiwan Row, Escalating Tensions

• China imposed an immediate ban on exports of dual-use items and rare earth minerals to Japan.
• The ban follows Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan last year, escalating a diplomatic row.
• Dual-use items include rare earths, advanced electronics, aerospace components, drones, and nuclear tech.
• Japan sourced 63% of its rare earth imports from China in 2024, raising concerns about the ban's impact.
• China views Taiwan as its territory and considers Takaichi's comments as interference.

Why It Matters: China's export ban on Japan over Taiwan highlights escalating geopolitical tensions and trade weaponization.