June 25, 2026
TOKYO – Two Japanese nationals have been detained by Chinese authorities in Dalian, China. According to sources that are well-informed on Japan-China relations, the detainees are suspected of attempting to take processed rare earth products out of China. The Chinese government strictly controls exports of rare earths.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced at a press conference on Wednesday morning that Chinese authorities had notified Japan that the two were detained on May 18 and 25, respectively, on suspicion of violating laws against smuggling goods that are prohibited from being imported or exported.
Kihara said that the detainees are in good health and emphasized, “We will respond to this situation in an appropriate manner to protect Japanese nationals.”
Japan-China relations cooled rapidly following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in the Diet last year regarding a contingency in Taiwan. China’s Commerce Ministry in January tightened controls on exports to Japan of dual-use products, which have both military and civilian uses, including rare earths. China also announced an embargo on dual-use products targeting 20 Japanese companies and organizations in February.
There are concerns that this latest incident will cause anxiety to spread among Japanese companies operating in China.