Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Japan to Raise China Rare Earth Curbs with US
Japan is very worried about China's new rules that stop some important materials called rare earths from being sent to Japan.
These materials are used in many important things like cars and electronics.
Japan's finance minister said she will talk to her friends in the United States and other countries about this problem.
China started these rules because Japan's leader said some things about Taiwan that China didn't like, and because Japan is spending more money on its military.
Japan thinks China's rules are not fair and could cause big problems for the world's economy.
They are going to talk about this at a big meeting with other important countries.
Japan plans to discuss China's rare earth export controls with the US and G7 nations.
China has banned exports of dual-use items to the Japanese military and reportedly restricted rare earth exports to Japanese companies.
Japan views China's actions as a threat to global economic security and a non-market practice.
G7 finance ministers will meet in Washington on January 12 to discuss rare earths supplies.
Japan's finance minister expressed concern over China's actions and plans to share Japan's stance with international counterparts.
- Who
- Japan, China, and G7 nations
- What
- Japan's plan to raise concerns about China's rare earth export controls with the US and G7 nations.
- When
- Announced on Friday, January 12, with the G7 meeting scheduled for the same day.
- Where
- Washington, D.C., and Beijing, China.
- Why
- In response to China's export controls on rare earths and dual-use items to Japan, which Japan views as a threat to global economic security.
Japan and G7
China
Export Controls
Japan and G7
Japan and G7 nations view China's export controls as a threat to global economic security and a non-market practice that could induce crises.
China
China implements export controls in response to political and military actions by Japan, targeting only military firms and asserting civilian users won't be affected.
- Rare Earths
- Critical materials used in various high-tech industries, including electric vehicles and military applications.
- Dual-Use Items
- Goods, software, or technologies with both civilian and military applications.
- G7 Meeting
- Scheduled for January 12 in Washington to discuss rare earths supplies.
- Japan's Military Budget
- 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the fiscal year starting in April.
- Chinese Export Control List
- Around 1,100 dual-use items and technologies requiring a license for overseas shipment.
