China’s seafood ban: Fresh blow to Japan over Taiwan dispute

China has announced that it will suspend seafood imports from Tokyo in a diplomatic conflict with Japan over Taiwan.

First reported by the Japanese outlets Kyodo News and NHK and confirmed by China foreign ministry, the Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning said, “Under the current circumstances, even if Japanese seafood were to be exported to China, it would find no market.”

The first ban on seafood import was put in place in 2023 when Japan decided to release wastewater from the decommissioned and damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.

At a regular press briefing, Ning said, “I would also like to emphasise that due to [Japanese] prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent actions that go against the tide ....there would be no market for Japanese seafood in the current climate.” she added.

Prior to the 2023 ban, Chinese markets made up more than one-fifth of Japan’s exports. China was a major importer of scallop and sea cucumbers.

According to Japanese Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki, the suspension came as nearly 700 Japanese exporters had applied to re-register for shipments to China.

Earlier this week, Japan’s tourism and retail stocks tumbled as China issued a warning to citizens not to travel the country.

China’s Education Ministry also cautioned students already living in Japan to remain vigilant and closely monitor the security situation.

The diplomatic row between two Asian economies started when newly appointed Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi has openly criticized China, suggesting that Tokyo could be involved in military conflict if Beijing attacked Taiwan.