Group 1 - The core action taken by China involves a comprehensive export ban on all dual-use items to Japan, which includes over 900 items across various industries [1][6][19] - The export control is a response to perceived threats from Japan's military ambitions and is aimed at regulating Japan's "re-militarization" efforts [2][19] - The dual-use items include materials, software, technology, and equipment components that can be utilized in both civilian and military applications [6][8] Group 2 - Japan's defense budget has significantly increased, with a projected total of approximately 9.04 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2026, marking a 70% increase since 2018 [7] - The potential economic impact on Japan could be severe, with estimates suggesting a GDP decline of 1.3% to 3.2% if China halts exports of rare earths and other critical minerals [11] - The manufacturing sector, particularly the transportation machinery industry, could see output declines exceeding 5%, with the automotive sector potentially facing a 17.6% drop [11] Group 3 - Japan's military-related activities are often obscured within its civilian industrial framework, which has roots in pre-war military enterprises [12][13] - Many private companies in Japan have defense technology departments and are involved in military-related research, indicating a deep integration of military and civilian sectors [13][18] - The export control measures target not just government entities but also private firms that are embedded within Japan's military-industrial complex [18][19]