In response to a question regarding China's announcement to include 20 Japanese entities in its export control list and another 20 on a watch list, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that the measures are completely legitimate, reasonable and lawful.

Mao's comment came shortly after the Ministry of Commerce unveiled the export control move on Tuesday to tighten its grip on dual-use items — goods and technologies with both civilian and military applications, citing the need to safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill international non-proliferation obligations.

China has taken measures in accordance with laws and regulations, and these actions are aimed at preventing Japan’s military expansion and nuclear ambitions, Mao added.