China Gradually Resumes Seafood Imports from Japan... "Monitoring Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water"

Seafood Import Ban Lifted After About a Year
Kishida: "Will Lead to Removal of Import Restrictions"
However, Resumption Timing Undecided

China will resume imports of Japanese seafood, which had been suspended due to concerns over the discharge of contaminated water (treated water) from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The imports are expected to gradually increase after measures such as international monitoring are implemented.

On the 20th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The relevant departments of both China and Japan have recently held multiple negotiations regarding the issue of the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant," and announced that they have agreed on four items, including the gradual resumption of seafood imports.

It added, "After long-term international monitoring conducted within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including independent sample collection and monitoring activities by participating countries, adjustments to related measures will begin based on scientific evidence, and imports of Japanese seafood that meet the standards will be gradually restored."

It further explained, "Japan has clearly stated that it will fulfill its obligations under international law in practice, make every effort to ensure that there are no adverse effects on human health and the environment, and continuously conduct assessments of the marine environment and marine ecological impact."

China will resume imports of Japanese seafood, which were suspended due to concerns over the discharge of contaminated water (treated water) from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.

China welcomed Japan’s establishment of a long-term international monitoring program covering the core processes of ocean discharge under the IAEA framework, stating, "It will ensure effective participation by all stakeholders, including China, and enable independent sample collection, monitoring, and laboratory analysis by participating countries."

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced on the same day that an agreement had been reached between the two countries. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said regarding this, "Based on the implementation of additional monitoring, the governments of China and Japan have agreed that China will resume imports of Japanese seafood that meet safety standards."

He added, "Our position remains unchanged that import restrictions should be lifted immediately," and said, "This announcement will lead to the lifting of restrictions."

However, regarding the timing of China’s lifting of import restrictions, he said, "It is not clear exactly when this will happen," but added, "I understand that imports will steadily recover."

Regarding monitoring, Prime Minister Kishida held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, on the same day to discuss related matters.

Previously, on August 24 of last year, when Japan began discharging contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, the Chinese government announced a complete suspension of seafood imports originating from Japan, stating, "We will protect the health of Chinese consumers and ensure the safety of imported food."