Is Japan’s Seafood Ban Finally Over? China’s Big Decision Could Reshape Relations

According to a report by Nikkei on Monday, China is reportedly considering resuming imports of Japanese seafood. The announcement may coincide with Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Japan during the trilateral summit scheduled for May or June next year. There’s also speculation that Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and China’s Foreign Minister, could unveil the policy during an earlier visit to Japan.

Last August, China imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports when Japan began releasing treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. China vehemently criticized Japan for what it termed the “unauthorized discharge of nuclear-contaminated water.”

In response to Japan’s repeated requests to lift the ban, China demanded independent sampling and testing of the treated water, separate from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. Last September, Japan agreed to allow Chinese participation in sample collection within the IAEA framework.

That same month, both nations agreed to resume imports gradually, subject to China’s safety inspections. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed this agreement during last month’s APEC summit in Peru. Last week, a third expert meeting on the water release was held in Beijing.

According to a diplomatic source, China initiated the meeting proposal, suggesting that “China is exploring an exit strategy to resume imports of Japanese seafood.”

Experts believe this shift reflects China’s strategic efforts to strengthen ties with Japan, particularly in light of the potential second Trump administration. During his campaign, Donald Trump pledged to impose a 60% tariff on China and recently announced plans for additional tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, citing drug and illegal immigration concerns.

The Nikkei reports that China sees improving ties with Japan as crucial for enhancing its negotiating power against Trump’s protectionist tendencies. It also notes that Trump’s “America First” policy, which could increase the burden on U.S. allies, is another factor driving China’s outreach to Japan.