China has escalated its pressure campaign against Japan amid rising tensions over Taiwan, employing a range of economic and military measures in recent weeks. The intensified actions follow Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement in November that Japan could assist in defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, a claim that Beijing staunchly opposes.

Since then, China has enacted multiple retaliatory steps, including reducing flights and academic exchanges, continuing to ban imports of Japanese seafood, and recently expanding restrictions on Japanese companies. On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a new set of export controls banning dozens of Japanese entities from receiving Chinese goods that could have military applications. This list notably includes the state-run National Institute for Defense Studies and military affiliates of Mitsubishi Electric.

Experts describe the new restrictions as a de facto embargo on Chinese rare earth elements vital for manufacturing. Yoshikiyo Shimamine, a senior fellow at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, noted these controls impose a near-total halt on rare earth exports to Japanese companies, as authorities intensify scrutiny over potential military use. This move builds upon an earlier blacklist enacted in February and mirrors China’s previous trade tactics during its dispute with the United States.

Beijing justifies the sanctions as a response to what it calls Japan’s “new militarism,” criticizing Tokyo’s recent revision of laws to permit the export of lethal weapons and increased defense spending plans announced by Prime Minister Takaichi. Takaichi has also pursued enhanced military cooperation with neighboring countries such as the Philippines, including the transfer of decommissioned Japanese warships and joint parachute exercises, actions Beijing views as provocative.

The maritime and aerial domains have also seen increased tension. Last month, China’s coast guard conducted patrols east of Taiwan, an area claimed in part by China, Taiwan, and Japan, with Beijing describing the maneuvers as “maritime traffic enforcement operations.” Chinese state media suggested such patrols might become a regular presence. The Chinese foreign ministry linked these operations to Japan and the Philippines’ announcement of maritime boundary talks, heightening regional anxieties.

On Saturday, a joint Chinese-Russian bomber formation involving 15 aircraft flew over the Sea of Japan, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets in response. Analysts regard these military activities as part of China’s strategic messaging aimed at deterring Japanese engagement with Taiwan.

Historical grievances continue to underpin the strained relationship between China and Japan. Disputes over territory, especially the contested islands known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, as well as longstanding resentment stemming from Japan’s World War II occupation, contribute to persistent mistrust. The last severe diplomatic rupture occurred in 2010 following a naval clash near these islands, when China temporarily suspended rare earth exports to Japan.

Despite the pressure campaign, Japan has not formally retaliated, and Prime Minister Takaichi has maintained her position regarding Taiwan. Observers suggest Beijing’s recent actions may seek to assert dominance and caution Japan while the United States, Japan’s key ally, remains focused on challenges in the Middle East.

“It would seem Beijing prefers antagonizing Tokyo. To what purpose? Perhaps simply to show that it can,” said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, highlighting the broader geopolitical contest underpinning these developments.