Politics is Politics: Japan Chamber of Commerce in China Urges Beijing to Explain Rare Earth Export Issues
The Japan Chamber of Commerce in China issued a position paper, urging the Chinese government to provide full explanations regarding export controls on dual-use items like rare earths to Japan and to build a transparent and predictable business environment. The paper noted that the controls have already affected some civilian products, contradicting Chinese claims.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 16:15
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 16:30 (15 min after Published)
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 12) The Japan Chamber of Commerce in China, composed of Japanese companies operating in China, released a position paper yesterday calling on the Chinese government to build a transparent and predictable business environment. Additionally, the paper pointed out that the regulation of exports of dual-use items such as rare earths to Japan has already affected some civilian products, hoping that China will provide a full explanation.
According to a report by Kyodo News Chinese Network on the 11th, this is the 17th time the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China has produced a position paper, gathering opinions from approximately 8,000 Japanese companies in China to arrive at the above conclusions.
The position paper stated that while the Chinese government claims export controls will not affect civilian products, the reality differs. It expressed hope that "the targets will be truly limited to items related to national security, and that proper laws and regulations based on international standards will be implemented."
According to the report, Tetsuro Homma, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China, said at a press conference that day, "We earnestly hope that political and diplomatic issues between countries will not spill over into corporate activities, cultural activities, and youth exchanges."
The position paper also called for the normalization of travel, ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals, and lifting the suspension of imports of Japanese aquatic products.
After Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made remarks about a "Taiwan contingency" in November 2025, China took several countermeasures against Japan, including strengthening controls on the export of dual-use items to Japan, covering more than 1,000 items including rare earths. In March and April of this year, China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by 88% and 82% respectively compared to the same period last year. (Editor: Zhou Huiying / Chen Kaiyu) 1150612
According to a report by Kyodo News Chinese Network on the 11th, this is the 17th time the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China has produced a position paper, gathering opinions from approximately 8,000 Japanese companies in China to arrive at the above conclusions.
The position paper stated that while the Chinese government claims export controls will not affect civilian products, the reality differs. It expressed hope that "the targets will be truly limited to items related to national security, and that proper laws and regulations based on international standards will be implemented."
According to the report, Tetsuro Homma, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China, said at a press conference that day, "We earnestly hope that political and diplomatic issues between countries will not spill over into corporate activities, cultural activities, and youth exchanges."
The position paper also called for the normalization of travel, ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals, and lifting the suspension of imports of Japanese aquatic products.
After Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made remarks about a "Taiwan contingency" in November 2025, China took several countermeasures against Japan, including strengthening controls on the export of dual-use items to Japan, covering more than 1,000 items including rare earths. In March and April of this year, China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by 88% and 82% respectively compared to the same period last year. (Editor: Zhou Huiying / Chen Kaiyu) 1150612
FAQ
What is the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China?
It is an economic organization composed of Japanese companies operating in China.
What is the main content of the position paper?
It calls for transparent explanations regarding export controls on rare earths and other items.
What is the impact of the export controls?
Rare earth exports to Japan in March and April 2025 fell by about 90% year-on-year.