China has detained multiple Japanese nationals, including senior executives of companies with offices in China, for allegedly breaching export controls on dual-use items, Japanese newspaper The Mainichi reported on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, citing multiple sources. Dual-use goods include products, software, and technologies with both civilian and military applications, such as critical minerals used in drone manufacturing and advanced semiconductors.

The detentions follow intensified enforcement actions by Chinese authorities, including frequent on-site inspections of Japanese corporate offices and personnel interrogations. Some individuals were reportedly detained upon entering China to secure their cooperation with investigations.

China’s foreign ministry has not confirmed specific cases but stated, “China’s competent authorities have investigated and handled criminal cases in accordance with the law.” Earlier, in late June 2026, the ministry announced the detention of two Japanese nationals for alleged legal violations. On the same day, Tokyo said it was informed by China that these individuals were suspected of smuggling items banned from export.

These developments build on previous crackdowns, including the May 2026 apprehension of two Japanese workers linked to a major heavy electrical machinery group in Dalian, Liaoning province, over rare earth export allegations. In July, the Japanese embassy in China issued an alert about tightened Chinese export controls on dual-use items, advising Japanese companies to exercise caution.

Sources