Japan says that China has detained 2 of its citizens suspected of smuggling banned items

China has detained two Japanese nationals accused of smuggling items reportedly linked to rare earths — critical materials largely controlled by Beijing.
Japan’s consular offices were notified; officials say the detainees are in good health but details are being withheld during the investigation.
The case adds strain to already tense China–Japan relations after recent Chinese export curbs on dual‑use goods and political disputes over Taiwan.