When China went into lockdown a year ago following the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese automakers operating key factories there or procuring parts from the country saw their production thrown into chaos.

The heavy reliance on China was not just about cars and auto parts. In Japan and many other countries, people faced shortages of masks and protective gowns, many of which come from China.

For companies, reducing supply chain dependence on China had been on their minds over the past few years as trade conflict between Washington and Beijing intensified. But the global health crisis served as a wake-up call, forcing them to review their strategies.