Why did China first implement the watchlist system?

On February 24, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce lawfully included 40 Japanese entities on both the export control management list and the watch list, and at the same time implemented targeted export control measures. This is another move following the Ministry of Commerce's announcement in January on strengthening export controls on dual-use items to Japan. There are three points worth noting about the Ministry of Commerce's measures this time: first, the use of the watch list system for the first time, opening up a new path for precise governance of export controls in China. Second, strict prohibitive measures are taken against entities on the control list, demonstrating China's firm stance against Japan's "remilitarization" and nuclear ambitions. Third, this measure is an upgraded version of the first announcement. Currently, globalization is facing headwinds and regional security risks are escalating, but China's toolbox is also quickly being filled to respond to actions that infringe on our legitimate interests. China is always ready to counteract these actions.