China Suspends Imports of Japanese Seafood Amid Tensions
The Chinese government has notified Tokyo that it will halt imports of Japanese seafood, a move reported on Wednesday. This decision seems to arise from escalating tensions between the nations.
Japanese broadcaster NHK noted that China is citing Japan’s release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as a primary reason. The suspension follows remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the parliament, where he suggested Japan might need to respond militarily if China were to attack Taiwan, which he described as a potential “worst-case scenario” for Japan’s survival.
Takaichi’s statements angered the Chinese leadership, prompting a public rebuke from Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, who reportedly made a threatening comment aimed at Takaichi.
NHK further reported that when Japan initiated the release of treated water in August 2023, China first suspended Japanese seafood imports, accusing Japan of treating the Pacific Ocean irresponsibly. Imports from Japan were resumed in June, except for products from ten prefectures, including Fukushima, where China has continued to voice accusations of negligence toward the ocean.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan as “wrong,” asserting they intruded on China’s sovereignty and violated international norms. Mao also implied that such statements portray Japan as incapable of maintaining international peace, questioning its eligibility for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
In statements made at the United Nations, a Chinese diplomat characterized Takaichi’s remarks as dangerously false, urging Japan to cease interference in China’s affairs and to retract the prime minister’s statements. Furthermore, they reiterated China’s “One China Policy,” maintaining that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
The diplomat emphasized that any military intervention by Japan in cross-strait issues would be perceived as an act of aggression, leading to a firm response from China.
