Key Facts
• China announced the resumption of Japanese seafood imports after a two-year ban.
• The ban was imposed in August 2023 due to Fukushima wastewater release concerns.
• On June 29, China stated seawater analysis showed no abnormalities.
• Japan confirmed on May 30 that both nations agreed on conditions for resumption.
• Import restrictions on 10 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, remain in place.
• Japanese officials view this as a step toward improving bilateral relations.
Summary
China has decided to lift its two-year ban on Japanese seafood imports, initially imposed in August 2023 over concerns about the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. On June 29, Chinese authorities declared that seawater analysis revealed no abnormalities, prompting the immediate resumption of imports. While Japan had earlier announced an agreement on necessary conditions for the resumption, restrictions on seafood from 10 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, will remain. Japanese officials interpret this move as a sign of China’s willingness to improve diplomatic ties.
