China Finds No Abnormality in Japanese Seafood Tests

China has conducted tests on Japanese seafood products and found no abnormality. The tests were conducted in response to concerns about radioactive contamination in Japanese seafood following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The results of the tests are expected to alleviate concerns about the safety of Japanese seafood exports.

China and Japan have agreed to resume Japanese seafood imports, ending a nearly two-year trade ban imposed due to concerns over radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The agreement, announced on May 30, 2025, follows a series of technical consultations and a meeting in Beijing between Japanese and Chinese officials [1].

The ban, which began in August 2023, was a significant blow to Japan's fisheries industry, with China previously accounting for more than one-fifth of its seafood exports. Japanese officials have maintained that the wastewater, treated and diluted with seawater, is safe and poses negligible environmental impact [1].

The resumption of seafood exports is expected to be a major milestone for both countries, potentially easing diplomatic tensions and addressing remaining issues such as territorial disputes and trade conflicts. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the agreement as a "major milestone" for Japan's seafood exports [1].

However, the agreement does not lift the existing ban on agricultural and marine exports from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima, due to lingering concerns over the 2011 nuclear accident. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has stated that Tokyo will continue to push for the lifting of these restrictions [1].

The agreement comes after China conducted tests on Japanese seafood products and found no abnormalities, further alleviating concerns about radioactive contamination. These tests were conducted in response to fears about the safety of Japanese seafood exports following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster [2].

The resumption of seafood exports will require Japanese fish processing facilities to register with China and include certificates of inspection guaranteeing that seafood has been checked for radioactive material. Exports will resume once these necessary procedures are completed [2].

This development is expected to have a positive impact on Japan's fisheries industry, which has been significantly affected by the trade ban. The Japanese government has set up an emergency relief fund for affected exporters and has sought alternative overseas markets [1].

References:

[1] https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/japan-china-seafood-fukushima-wastewater/2025/05/30/id/1212905/
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/30/japanese-seafood-set-to-return-to-china-after-fukushima-wastewater-row