Japan has imposed trade restrictions on China-based companies as part of a new round of sanctions against individuals and groups supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, the foreign ministry announced on Friday. The new sanctions also extend to India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan firms. According to the foreign ministry, this marks the first instance of Japan sanctioning China-based firms in the Ukraine conflict.
Targeted firms include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd, which supplied microchips for Russian drones, and China-based Yilufa Electronics Limited. These sanctions, aligning with measures imposed by other countries such as the United States, prohibit Japanese companies from exporting to the targeted firms.
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U.S. officials have stated that China is supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by providing drone and missile technology for Moscow’s largest military buildup since the Soviet era. Last week, the U.S. expanded its sanctions on Russia, including targeting China-based companies selling semiconductors to Moscow.
Additionally, Beijing and Moscow are taking intricate steps to ensure bilateral payments, potentially exposing some Chinese financial firms to sanctions.
