China has announced a partial lifting of its ban on Japanese seafood imports, easing tensions that arose over the release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean.
Beijing had imposed the ban following Japan’s controversial decision in 2023 to begin a gradual discharge of filtered wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear facility, which was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Although the process received approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), China condemned the move as irresponsible and dangerous to the environment.
On Sunday, China’s General Administration of Customs said that long-term testing of water from the Fukushima area had revealed “no abnormalities”, prompting authorities to conditionally lift the seafood ban. However, restrictions will remain in place for seafood originating from 10 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo.
The ban’s relaxation marks a slight thaw in a prolonged diplomatic row between the two nations, whose relations have long been complicated by historical grievances and territorial disputes.
Seafood suppliers hoping to resume exports to China must re-register with customs and will be subject to stringent regulatory oversight, Chinese authorities stated.
In the aftermath of the 2011 disaster, three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant experienced a meltdown, releasing radioactive material and forcing mass evacuations. Since then, Japan has faced international scrutiny over its plans to manage and dispose of the contaminated water stored at the site.
Despite the backing of global nuclear safety watchdogs, the discharge has remained a flashpoint, particularly for neighbouring countries concerned about food safety and marine pollution.
