Japan Issues Trade Restrictions on Chinese Companies, Others for Aiding Russia

Japan recently announced sanctions and export restrictions on people and companies for aiding Russian war efforts against Ukraine, including parties in China, India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to an unofficial translation of a notice from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

China criticized the move, telling reporters during a regular daily press conference in Beijing this month that it "firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law" and adding that it's China's "lawful right to carry out normal trade and economic cooperation with Russia on the basis of equality and mutual benefit."

"Japan, in disregard of China’s just position, followed certain country’s suit by imposing illicit unilateral sanctions," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. "China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this. We will take all measures necessary to firmly safeguard our legitimate and lawful rights and interests."