Tokyo said on Wednesday that China has detained two Japanese citizens on suspicion of smuggling banned goods.
Japanese media reported that one case may involve rare-earth-related exports, a strategically important sector that is tightly controlled by Beijing.
What do we know about the allegations?
Japan said Chinese authorities had informed it that a citizen was detained in the northeastern port city of Dalian on May 18 on suspicion of violating a law covering the smuggling of contraband goods.
Japan’s top government spokesman Minoru Kihara told reporters that a second Japanese citizen was detained on May 25 on the same charges.
“The [Japanese government] “We will continue to take appropriate measures to protect Japanese citizens,” Kihara said.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention, saying the two Japanese citizens had violated Chinese law, but gave no further details.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiaqun said, “We would like to emphasize that Japan should educate and remind its citizens and businesses in China to comply with Chinese laws and regulations.”
Japanese media reported that one case involved allegations of attempts to export products containing rare earth materials, which are subject to Chinese sanctions. Kihara did not identify the items involved.
“These cases are under investigation,” a spokesman for Japan’s Consulate in China told AFP news agency. He said both men were in good health and the government would “take appropriate steps from the point of view of their safety.”
Why are there tensions over rare earths?
China dominates the global production and processing of rare earths, metals that are used in products ranging from electric vehicles to military equipment. Beijing has tightened control over the region in recent years and increasingly views it as a strategic asset.
Relations between Japan and China have deteriorated since comments last year by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takachi in which he suggested Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attempted to seize Taiwan.
Since then, China has restricted exports of some key minerals and dual-use goods to Japan, while also reducing the extent of trade and cultural exchanges.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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