Japan has imposed trade restrictions on several companies based in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as part of new sanctions aimed at entities supporting Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. The announcement, made by Japan’s foreign ministry on Friday, marks the first occasion Japan has targeted China-based firms for their connection to the conflict in Ukraine.

Among the firms targeted are Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd, which supplied microchips for Russian drones, and China-based Yilufa Electronics Limited. The sanctions prevent Japanese companies from exporting to these entities. These measures align with similar actions taken by other countries, including the United States.

U.S. officials have claimed that China is aiding Russia’s war effort by providing drone and missile technology, contributing to Moscow’s largest military buildup since the Soviet era. In response, the U.S. recently extended its sanctions on Russia to include China-based companies involved in selling semiconductors to Moscow.

Furthermore, Beijing and Moscow are collaborating on complex bilateral payment mechanisms, which may expose some Chinese financial institutions to additional sanctions.