Yuyuan Tantan: What Does China's First Implementation of the Watchlist System Mean?

Yuyuantan Tian posted that on February 24, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce continuously issued Announcements No. 11 and No. 12 of 2026, officially listing 40 Japanese entities on the export control and monitoring lists, respectively, and simultaneously implementing targeted export control measures. How do you view this action by China’s Ministry of Commerce? Tian discussed this with Ji Wenhua, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics. There are three notable features. First, it is the first time the monitoring list system has been used, opening a new path for precise export control in China. The logic of the monitoring list is clear: through strengthened review and risk assessment, entities with unclear end-use or potential military risks are subjected to precise control. It does not mean outright prohibition but strict review. Moreover, this is not a permanent label. The Ministry of Commerce explicitly stated that entities listed can apply to be removed if they genuinely fulfill obligations such as cooperation with investigations, and after verification, they may be delisted. Ji Wenhua told Tian that providing reasonable and feasible remedies reflects the rule of law embedded in China’s control measures. Second, the strict prohibition measures against entities on the control list demonstrate a firm stance to prevent Japan’s “re-militarization” and nuclear ambitions. Third, this measure is an upgraded version of Announcement No. 1.