China has detained two Japanese nationals on suspicion of smuggling goods prohibited from import or export, the Japanese government confirmed on Wednesday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated during a regular press briefing that Chinese authorities informed Tokyo of the first detention, which occurred on May 18 in the northeastern port city of Dalian. A second Japanese national was detained on May 25 on similar allegations.
“The Japanese government will continue to take appropriate measures to protect its citizens while maintaining contact with the detained individuals and relevant parties,” Kihara said.
He did not disclose further details due to privacy concerns.
Reports suggest the case may involve attempts to export products containing rare earth materials, which are subject to stringent Chinese export controls.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that both individuals were detained in connection with the same case.
The employee, who previously served as a senior official for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, was originally detained in March 2023, right before his planned repatriation to Japan.
The incident comes amid strained relations between China and Japan, further intensifying existing tensions.
Bilateral relations deteriorated significantly following remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November last year regarding Taiwan. She indicated that Japan could consider a military response in the event of a Chinese attack on the democratic island.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, responded with a series of political and economic countermeasures against Japan, including imposing restrictions on certain mineral exports such as rare earth materials.
In addition, Beijing has restricted imports of Japanese seafood, discouraged Chinese tourism to Japan, and increased its maritime presence in waters surrounding Japan. China also has intensified coast guard patrols in areas between Japan and Taiwan.
On May 22, China’s Foreign Ministry also criticized Japan’s 2025 defense budget, which increased by 9.7 percent.
A few days later, during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected China’s accusations of “neo-militarism.” He instead highlighted concerns over China’s military expansion and lack of transparency.
He added that China’s external posture and military activities are “matters of serious concern for Japan and the international community.”