TOKYO, Jan 10: On Friday, Japan implemented further sanctions against Russia concerning its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These measures involve freezing the assets of numerous individuals and organizations, as well as prohibiting exports to various entities in Russia and other nations alleged to be assisting in circumventing sanctions.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the Cabinet’s approval of these additional sanctions emphasizes Japan’s dedication to the Group of Seven’s initiative to enhance sanctions against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.
This latest action follows several prior rounds of sanctions and comes a month after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated the country’s stance during an online G7 summit in mid-December.
“This represents Japan’s contribution to the global efforts for achieving peace and addressing the issues stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” remarked Hayashi.
As per a joint declaration by Japan’s ministries of foreign affairs, trade, and finance, an asset freeze list has been expanded to include 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and three banks from Russia, together with a North Korean bank and a Georgian bank implicated in helping bypass sanctions.
The Cabinet has also sanctioned total export bans on 22 military-affiliated Russian entities, including producers of technology and machinery.
A list of 335 items prohibited for export to Russia has been ratified, effective January 23. This includes engines and parts for construction vehicles, motorized bicycles, communication and acoustic devices, mechanical tools, and valves, as stated by the trade and industry ministry.
Restrictions will additionally apply to 31 non-Russian organizations identified by the government as having assisted Russia in diverting restricted goods and evading sanctions—11 located in Hong Kong, seven in mainland China, eight in Turkey, two in Kyrgyzstan, and one each in Thailand, the UAE, and Kazakhstan.
Japan’s new sanctions and export limitations are consistent with the G7’s efforts to thwart Russia from escaping sanctions with aid from third countries, which include a prohibition on exporting materials that might bolster Russia’s industrial capacity, according to Hayashi.
In light of the rising apprehensions regarding the war’s effects in Asia, where China has threatened military action to assert control over Taiwan, Japan has been actively collaborating with the G7 to impose sanctions on Russia and provide support to Ukraine. (AP)
