China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday blacklisted 20 Japanese organizations, barring them from receiving dual-use items with potential military applications, citing national security and non-proliferation concerns.

The blacklisted entities include state-affiliated institutes such as the National Institute for Defense Studies, Naval Systems Research Center, and Ground Systems Research Center, as well as firms Mitsubishi Precision, MHI Logitech, and Kawajyu Gifu Manufacturing.

Another 20 organizations, including Mitsui E&S, Terra Drone, and Hitachi Advanced Systems, were placed on a watch list requiring risk assessments and written assurances that their exports will not contribute to Japan's military capabilities.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson described the move as "entirely legitimate, reasonable, and lawful," asserting it does not affect "normal China-Japan economic and trade exchanges."

The spokesperson accused Japan of showing "no remorse" and accelerating "new militarism," deploying offensive weapons and launching offensive missiles overseas.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged Beijing to revoke the measures, calling them "unacceptable."

The latest controls follow a similar round in February, when Beijing blacklisted 20 Japanese entities amid a worsening spat over Taiwan. Ties deteriorated sharply after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could militarily intervene if China attempted to take control of Taiwan.

Source: www.aljazeera.com