China Gradually Prepares to Lift Ban on Japanese Seafood Imports After Fukushima

Sep 20, 2024, 07:04 AM

China has announced its readiness to lift the ban on Japanese seafood imports, which was imposed last year following the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. This decision comes after Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) agreed to allow third-party countries to join monitoring activities on the water discharge. Final preparations are underway for the resumption of seafood trade between the two countries, NHK says. The process will be gradual, with China stressing the need for independent sampling and scientific evidence before fully resuming imports, according to CCTV. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese Foreign Ministry have expressed optimism, viewing this as a first step towards the complete lifting of the ban.