Japan to check if China's latest dual-use export ban covers rare earths

TOKYO - Japan will assess whether China's ban on exports of dual-use items covers rare earths, the top government spokesman said Wednesday, amid escalating bilateral tensions over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a regular press conference that the latest step taken by China on Tuesday remains "largely unclear," as Beijing has claimed that Takaichi has indicated Japan would act in the event of coercive measures against Taiwan.