China detains two Japanese nationals suspected of smuggling banned goods
Tokyo said the detentions involve suspected smuggling of rare-earth-related goods as China tightens controls on critical minerals.
- On Wednesday, Tokyo confirmed two Japanese nationals were detained in China on suspicion of smuggling rare-earth related products, including one employee of a major electronic machinery maker.
- Following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November parliamentary remarks that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, China imposed export restrictions on dual-use materials.
- Controlling more than 60% of global rare earth mining and about 90% of processing capacity, Beijing wields significant leverage over supply chains for advanced manufacturing and defense industries.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated the government is maintaining contact with the detainees while declining to provide further details, citing an ongoing investigation and privacy concerns.
- Leaders from Japan and China are expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen this November, though tensions between the East Asian powers remain unresolved.
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35 Articles
Export restrictions: China has been restricting the export of critical raw materials to Japan since January, after the two countries got into a fierce dispute over Taiwan. Now it has…
China Detains 2 Japanese Accused of Smuggling Restricted Items
The Chinese authorities have detained two Japanese citizens on suspicion of exporting banned goods, both sides confirmed on Wednesday, adding to tensions between the two Asian countries. Speaking at a regular briefing in Tokyo, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that one individual was detained on May 18 for allegedly violating a Chinese law related to smuggling items prohibited from import or export. Another Japanese n…
Chinese authorities have detained two Japanese citizens on suspicion of smuggling prohibited goods, Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday, as relations between the two countries have remained tense for months.
Two Japanese nationals detained for violating Chinese laws, spokesperson says
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that two Japanese nationals have been detained by competent Chinese authorities for violating Chinese laws, adding that China has informed the Japanese side of the case.
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