China¡¯s Commerce Ministry on Monday added 20 Japanese companies and organizations to its export control list, including the National Institute for Defense Studies and multiple Mitsubishi-affiliated defense contractors ¡ª Beijing¡¯s latest move to tighten restrictions on firms and entities it claims are tied to Tokyo¡¯s ¡°remilitarization.¡±

The measure prohibits exports of dual-use items to the designated entities, while also barring overseas companies from exporting Chinese-origin dual-use goods to them.

Beijing made a similar designation in February, when it placed 20 Japanese institutions and companies, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, under export controls.?

China has stepped up restrictions against Japan since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi¡¯s remarks last November that Tokyo could hypothetically intervene militarily? in a crisis over Taiwan,?

Dual-use goods refer to products, technologies and materials with both civilian and military applications.