Japan’s New Trade Sanctions on China-Based Companies Amid Ongoing War in Ukraine: What You Need to Know

Tokyo has recently imposed trade restrictions on China-based companies for their alleged support of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The sanctions, announced by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also target firms in India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These measures prohibit Japanese companies from exporting goods to the sanctioned firms, which include Asia Pacific Links Ltd in Hong Kong and Yilufa Electronics Limited in Shenzhen.

The move comes after Japan and South Korea announced similar sanctions last month against companies and individuals accused of supplying North Korean weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has taken a tougher stance against Moscow compared to other Asian governments, many of which have chosen not to take sides in the conflict.

At last year’s G7 summit in Hiroshima, Kishida expressed “unwavering solidarity” with Ukraine and condemned the use of force to alter the status quo by governments. The United States has also imposed sanctions targeting over 300 individuals and firms involved in aiding Russia’s war effort, including entities in China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that these measures aim to limit Russia’s access to foreign technology, equipment, software, and IT services.