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China Urged to Promptly Resume Japan Seafood Imports Under New Agreement

CHINA
Tuesday, October 01, 2024, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

China has agreed to lift its ban on seafood imports from Japan, imposed after the release of treated radioactive water from Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean. While the accord between the two nations marks progress in resolving the issue, the real test lies in how swiftly and effectively both sides will implement their commitments, according to reports from Mainichi.

China initially demanded to conduct its own monitoring and collect samples, which Japan rejected on the grounds of sovereignty concerns. Instead, Japan invited China to join the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in overseeing the monitoring of the water release. The latest agreement allows participating countries, including China, to gather and analyze samples under the IAEA’s supervision—a compromise seen as a breakthrough after months of diplomatic standoff.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, left, and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, second from right, meet in New York on Sept. 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Japanese Foreign Ministry)

China's earlier efforts to rally international opposition to Japan’s water discharge fell short, with many attributing Beijing's softened stance to its need for stronger international ties and foreign investment amid a sluggish domestic economy. However, the exact timing for resuming seafood imports remains unclear. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that imports would resume "gradually" once China’s conditions are met, signaling a more cautious approach compared to Japan’s expectations of a steady recovery in shipments.

China, meanwhile, has not fundamentally shifted its stance on the water release. In a recent meeting in New York, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated his concern, continuing to refer to the released water as "nuclear-contaminated," and warning Japan not to complicate the situation further.

IAEA experts visiting TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (Photo: coourtesy IAEA)

The onus now falls on China to respect the scientific data endorsed by the IAEA, and not use the import resumption as a political tool. Japan, for its part, needs to maintain consistent dialogue with China to ensure a swift return to normal trade. Additionally, Japan must continue diversifying its seafood export markets and promote domestic consumption to mitigate over-reliance on China.

Other diplomatic challenges remain between the two nations, including cases of assaults on Japanese nationals, espionage allegations, and territorial disputes in the East China Sea. Whether the seafood import agreement is honored in good faith will be a litmus test for the broader state of Japan-China relations. China should act promptly to resume imports as agreed, setting a positive tone for the future of bilateral cooperation.

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