Tokyo has recently implemented trade restrictions against companies in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan for their alleged support of Russia’s war on Ukraine. This marks the first time Tokyo has targeted China-based companies in this way. These sanctions were announced by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Japanese companies are now prohibited from exporting goods to the sanctioned firms, which include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd and Yilufa Electronics Limited from Shenzhen. This latest step comes after both Japan and South Korea announced similar measures last month against companies and individuals accused of supplying North Korean weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s leadership, Tokyo has taken a tougher stance against Moscow compared to other Asian governments, most of which have chosen not to get involved in the conflict. Kishida pledged “unwavering solidarity” with Ukraine during last year’s G7 summit in Hiroshima, condemning the use of force to change the status quo.
In a related development, the United States recently imposed sanctions on over 300 individuals and firms accused of aiding Russia’s war effort, including entities in China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that these measures would reduce Russia’s ability to benefit from foreign technology, equipment, software, and IT services.
