TOKYO (AP) — On Friday, Japan's Cabinet ratified a new set of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. This includes the freezing of assets belonging to dozens of individuals and organizations, as well as imposing export bans on numerous groups within Russia and other nations that have allegedly assisted in circumventing sanctions.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that the latest sanctions highlight Japan's dedication to the initiatives of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations, which aim to bolster sanctions against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. Japan has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions prior to this latest decision, underscoring its commitment to addressing the situation.
This new set of sanctions follows a reaffirmation of Japan's policies articulated by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during an online G7 summit in mid-December. This meeting came on the heels of Russia's growing collaboration with North Korea and its utilization of third-party countries to evade existing sanctions.
Hayashi remarked, “It is Japan’s contribution as part of the international effort toward achieving global peace and resolving the problems surrounding Ukraine because of the Russian invasion.” The sanctions are positioned within a framework aimed at supporting Ukraine and hindering Russia's ongoing military actions.
As part of the latest measures, Japan's foreign, trade, and finance ministries released a joint statement revealing that an asset freeze has been placed on 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and three Russian banks. Additionally, a North Korean trading company executive and a Georgian bank, both accused of facilitating sanction evasion, have also been added to the list.
The Cabinet has enforced comprehensive export bans on 22 organizations within Russia, which includes military-related entities as well as companies involved in technology and machinery production. Furthermore, export restrictions have been applied to 31 non-Russian entities suspected of aiding Russia in diverting restricted goods. These non-Russian entities are based in various locations, including 11 in Hong Kong, seven in mainland China, eight in Turkey, and smaller representations from Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, the UAE, and Kazakhstan.
In an extensive measure, the Cabinet also approved a list of 335 items that are prohibited from being exported to Russia, effective from January 23, 2024. This list comprises a variety of goods, including construction vehicle engines, motorized bicycles, communication and acoustic devices, and various mechanical tools and valves, all of which are considered vital for Russia's industrial activities.
The sanctions and export restrictions align with the G7's ongoing efforts to prevent Russia from circumventing sanctions with the aid of third countries, which include a ban on exporting materials that could enhance Russia’s industrial capacity, according to Hayashi. The comprehensive approach demonstrates Japan’s commitment to cooperating closely with the G7 in imposing sanctions against Russia and providing support for Ukraine.
Japan's proactive stance also emerges amidst rising tensions in Asia, where concerns are mounting over China’s threats of using force to reinforce its control over Taiwan. This geopolitical climate underscores the importance of Japan’s involvement and collaboration with international partners in ensuring regional stability and addressing the implications of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
