Japan has taken a significant step by imposing trade restrictions on several companies in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan for allegedly aiding Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a statement released by the Japanese foreign ministry on Friday, as reported by Reuters.
This marks the first instance of Japan imposing sanctions specifically targeting Chinese companies in relation to the Ukraine war.
Among the entities sanctioned are Asia Pacific Links Ltd., based in Hong Kong, accused of supplying microchips for Russian drones, and Yilufa Electronics Limited based in China.
These sanctions closely mirror actions previously undertaken by the United States and include prohibitions on Japanese companies exporting goods to the designated firms.
The United States has previously accused China of supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine by providing drone and missile technology.
Last week, the US expanded its sanctions on Russia, which also encompassed Chinese companies involved in selling semiconductors to Moscow.
Furthermore, China and Russia have reportedly established detailed measures to ensure uninterrupted bilateral financial transactions, potentially exposing certain Chinese financial institutions to future sanctions.
