File photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi (Picture credit: AP)

China on Tuesday banned exports of dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes to Japan, a move that comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over Taiwan.In a statement, China’s commerce ministry said exports of such items to Japanese military users, as well as to any other end-users that could help enhance Japan’s military power, are prohibited. It warned that any individual or organisation violating the rule by transferring or providing these made-in-China products to Japanese entities would face legal consequences, regardless of nationality.While the notice did not specify the items covered, some technology-related exports, including drones and navigation systems, could potentially be adapted for military use, as per news agency AP.There was no immediate response from Japan.China said the measures take effect immediately and are aimed at safeguarding national security and interests.Beijing classifies a range of products in sensitive sectors such as biotechnology, aerospace and telecommunications as dual-use goods subject to export controls.Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated in recent months over comments linked to Taiwan. Ties worsened after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said late last year that Japan’s military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own territory. In December, Japan also said Chinese military aircraft locked radar on its fighter jets, despite what Tokyo described as a safe distance between them.China has stepped up military pressure around Taiwan, launching large-scale drills near the island last week. During that period, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi criticised Japan’s leadership and Taiwan’s “pro-independence forces,” accusing Tokyo of challenging China’s territorial sovereignty.As per AFP, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson slammed Japan’s recent “erroneous remarks concerning Taiwan, implying the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait,” adding that the tightened export controls were necessary to protect China’s security interests.