On the 9th, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated his intention to cooperate with relevant countries, including the United States, to take necessary measures regarding China's export controls on dual-use goods (materials that can be used for both military and civilian purposes) to Japan.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi [AFP Yonhap News]

During a regular press conference on the same day, Motegi responded to a question by saying, "We are demanding that China withdraw its measures."

He added, "We intend to take necessary measures with resolve and calmness in cooperation with relevant countries, including the United States and the G7 (Group of Seven), and I believe we can also strengthen supply chains by cooperating with allies, friendly nations, and the Global South (a general term for emerging and developing countries primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere)."

Regarding China's claim that Japan has manufactured and accumulated far more plutonium than its civilian nuclear energy needs, Motegi rebutted, "I have also served as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry," and stated, "There is no such fact whatsoever."

Responding to a point that the Japanese government's stance on the United States recently escorting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro through a military operation is contradictory to its stance during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he asserted, "It is by no means contradictory."

He added, "While it is true that there are various discussions in the evaluation of international law, it is difficult to fully and objectively grasp the facts of this matter, so I will refrain from legal evaluations. I believe Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of international law."