China Partially Lifts Ban on Japanese Seafood Imports

China has partially lifted its ban on Japanese seafood imports, marking a significant step in easing the long-standing dispute over the discharge of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This move comes after Japan began gradually releasing treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean in 2023, a decision backed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The treated wastewater, according to the plant operator TEPCO, has had all radioactive elements filtered out except for tritium, which is within safe limits.

China's decision to partially lift the ban follows a statement from the General Administration of Customs, which indicated that long-term monitoring of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima had not shown any abnormalities. As a result, China has decided to conditionally resume seafood imports from Japan, with the exception of imports from 10 of the country’s 47 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, which remain banned. This partial lifting of the ban is seen as a diplomatic gesture aimed at easing tensions and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The Japanese government has received the decision positively, with the deputy chief cabinet secretary, Kazuhiko Aoki, stating that Japan will strongly demand the Chinese side lift remaining import regulations on seafood from the 10 prefectures. Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also called China’s move “a major milestone,” highlighting the significance of this development in normalizing trade relations between the two nations.

China's initial ban on Japanese seafood imports was a response to Japan's decision to release treated wastewater into the ocean, a move that China vociferously opposed, casting it as environmentally irresponsible. However, in September last year, China indicated that it would gradually resume importing seafood, reflecting a shift in its stance. The partial lifting of the ban is expected to have a positive impact on the seafood industry in both countries, as it allows for the resumption of trade and the restoration of market access.

Production companies that had suspended trade must reapply for registration in China and would be “strictly” supervised, according to Beijing’s customs administration. This stringent supervision underscores China's cautious approach, ensuring that the treated wastewater meets stringent safety standards. The situation will continue to be closely monitored, and any developments will be closely watched by both countries and the international community.