China halts import of Japanese seafood over Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks – Firstpost

China has announced a complete suspension on all Japanese seafood imports, further escalating an already deep diplomatic dispute between the two countries. The decision was first reported kyodo news And indicates a sharp increase in economic measures.

The move comes in response to recent provocative comments by Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s existence, leading to “a military response.” Beijing strongly condemned the comments and demanded it be withdrawn, while also advising its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan – a warning that has already contributed to a surge in canceled trips.

This is not the first time Beijing has banned seafood imports from Japan.

In August 2023, China imposed a complete ban after the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Then, earlier this year, Beijing partially eased the ban to allow imports from select Japanese regions — but the latest decision reversed that start.

according to kyodo newsChina told Japan the renewed restrictions were needed because further monitoring of the Fukushima drain was needed.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning reiterated the country’s commitment to strict food safety measures, saying China will continue both international monitoring and its own independent sampling of Japanese aquatic products.

“If any risks are identified, the necessary import restriction measures will be immediately implemented in accordance with the law,” he warned.

For Japan, the implications are significant.

Before the dispute, China’s share of Japan’s seafood exports was more than 20%, particularly scallops and sea cucumbers – making the Chinese market important for Japanese fisheries.

At present, Chinese officials have not directly responded to requests for comment on the latest ban. Similarly, Japan’s agriculture officials have also remained silent on the new development.