China detains two Japanese nationals for alleged attempts to remove export-restricted, rare-earth-related products from the country, according to reports citing both Chinese authorities and statements from Japan. Japan’s government confirms the detentions but provides limited information, citing privacy. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara says one person is detained by Chinese authorities on May 18 and the second is detained a week later. Both are accused of violating Chinese laws that govern the import and export of restricted goods. The alleged items are described across reports as rare-earth related products. One of the detainees is said to be an employee of a Japanese company, though no further identifying details are provided in the available accounts. The reports indicate Japanese officials are aware of the allegations and are in communication regarding consular or diplomatic arrangements, while details on the case specifics, including quantities and intended destinations, are not made public by either side in the cited coverage. The matter remains under Chinese investigation and no legal outcomes are reported.