Japan imposes sanctions on China-based companies accused of supporting war in Ukraine | War between Russia and Ukraine

With these measures, Tokyo is for the first time attacking China-based companies for their alleged support of the Russian war.

Japan has imposed trade restrictions on companies in China, India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan because of their alleged support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

With the sanctions announced by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Friday, Tokyo is for the first time targeting China-based companies over alleged links to the war.

Under the measures, Japanese companies are prohibited from exporting goods to the sanctioned firms, which include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd and Shenzhen-based Yilufa Electronics Limited.

The latest sanctions follow Japan and South Korea’s announcement last month targeting companies and individuals accused of supplying North Korean weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Under Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Tokyo has taken a tougher stance toward Moscow than any other government in Asia, and most of these countries have so far refused to take sides in the war.

During the G7 summit in Hiroshima last year, Kishida promised Ukraine “unwavering solidarity” while condemning governments that used violence to change the status quo.

Last week, the United States imposed sanctions on more than 300 individuals and companies accused of supporting Russia’s war effort, including entities in China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the measures would “reduce Russia’s ability to benefit from access to foreign technology, equipment, software and IT services.”