A major group of Japanese companies operating in China is pressing Beijing for clear assurances that new export controls on critical materials will not disrupt legitimate civilian business. In a statement, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China highlighted recent comments from He Yadong, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce. The spokesman had stated that the new rules would not affect civilian applications and that companies involved in normal trade had no reason for concern. The business group is now calling on Chinese authorities to formally reaffirm this position. "We request that this ... (full story)