China’s access to Japan’s coveted industrial-use goods – especially a critical chipmaking ingredient – may face hurdles if Tokyo imposes export restrictions in the event of a prolonged political dispute, though trade is holding steady for now, analysts and a trade organisation said.

Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing remain high after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed support for Taiwan in November 2025. Social media posts shared fabricated images of signboards at Japan's Narita International Airport that appear to direct travellers from "Taiwan" and "China" to separate lanes for immigration clearance,

Japanese forces tracked Chinese ships and aircraft transiting through Japan’s southwest region during the same period, while the People’s Liberation Army was carrying out its “Justice Mission 2025” drills around Taiwan from Dec.

The measures target only our country and deviate significantly from international practice,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reportedly said. “We intend to carefully examine and analyse the details and consider necessary responses.

Hei Seki, a China-born Japanese opposition lawmaker who was sanctioned by the mainland last year for his anti-Beijing stance, arrive

Seki studied philosophy at Peking University before moving to Japan in 1988, where he attended graduate school at Kobe University, earning a doctorate in cultural studies. Later, he was a university lecturer, political commentator and author of Japanese-language books, including one on “why I abandoned China.”

In December the US announced its largest-ever arms sale to Taiwan, totalling £8.2bn, which included Himars rocket systems, Javelin anti-tank missiles and howitzers. However, these will probably take years to be delivered.

President Donald Trump has invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United States this year.