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 for their connection to the conflict.

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 actions by Japan and South Korea in May, targeting firms and individuals for providing North Korean weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has taken a tougher stance against Moscow.

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. Recently, the US also announced sanctions against 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. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after his visit to China, emphasized that the US would take further action if Beijing continues to support Russia’s defense industrial base.

Blinken raised these concerns with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and President Xi Jinping, urging them to act. He noted that Chinese officials had not acknowledged the role of these goods in the war, characterizing it as trade with Russia.