Japan has introduced trade restrictions against companies in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, accusing them of supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sanctions on Friday, marking Tokyo's first action against firms based in China for their alleged involvement in the conflict.

Under these new measures, Japanese businesses are now banned from exporting goods to the sanctioned entities, which include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd and Shenzhen’s Yilufa Electronics Limited.

These sanctions follow Japan and South Korea's recent penalties on entities allegedly supplying North Korean arms to Russia for the war in Ukraine.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration has taken a stronger stand against Moscow compared to other Asian countries, most of which have remained neutral.

During the G7 summit in Hiroshima last year, Kishida committed to unwavering support for Ukraine and condemned the use of force for territorial changes.

Additionally, the United States recently imposed sanctions on more than 300 individuals and companies accused of supporting Russia's war efforts, including those in China, South Africa, the UAE, and Turkey.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that these measures aim to limit “Russia’s access to foreign technology, equipment, software, and IT services.”