China seeks to resume seafood imports from Japan.
After facing protests over their decision to release radioactive water into the ocean, China is prepared to resume imports of Japanese marine products. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that they will gradually resume imports of products that adhere to set standards, following "numerous discussions" with Japanese authorities regarding health-related concerns.
Last August, Japan started releasing cooling water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. While most experts believe this process is safe, China initially prohibited all imports of Japanese marine products, citing environmental pollution as the reason.
The Chinese government has now commended Japan's cooperation. Japan has promised to "fulfill its international obligations, take every measure to minimize harm to human health and the environment, and conduct ongoing assessments of the impacts on the marine environment and marine ecosystems," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A "long-term arrangement for international monitoring" under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been established, the ministry added. "Both sides have agreed to maintain productive, evidence-based dialogue with a strong commitment to the ecosystem, the environment, life, and human health," they stated.
From the Japanese side, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged a similar agreement on cooperation. As a result, China has agreed to "resume imports of Japanese fishery products that meet specific criteria." However, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing reiterated that China remains strongly opposed to the release of radioactive water.
Despite China's initial opposition due to environmental concerns, they have now commended Japan's assurances regarding the safety measures and commitment to minimizing harm. Despite their disagreement over the release of radioactive water, China is willing to resume imports of Japanese marine products that meet certain criteria.
