Japan Imposes Trade Restrictions on Chinese, Kazakh, and Uzbek Firms for Supporting Russia in Ukraine War

Japan has imposed trade restrictions on firms in China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan over their alleged support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. This marks the first time Japan has targeted Chinese companies over such allegations.

The sanctions, announced by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prevent Japanese firms from exporting goods to the sanctioned companies, which include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd and Shenzhen-based Yilufa Electronics Limited.

This decision follows similar sanctions by Japan and South Korea in May against firms and individuals providing North Korean weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Japan has taken a tougher stance against Moscow under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government. During the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in 2023, Kishida expressed strong support for Ukraine and condemned the use of force to change the status quo.

Last week, the US announced sanctions targeting over 300 individuals and companies accused of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, including entities in China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that these measures aim to reduce Russia’s access to foreign technology, equipment, software, and IT services.

In April, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about Beijing’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base during his visit to China. Blinken warned that the US would take further action if such support continued and emphasized that other countries might also take similar measures.