China has reportedly begun testing all seafood imports from Japan for radiation amid concerns over Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima No. 1 plant into the sea. China's customs agency had previously announced a ban on seafood products from Fukushima and other prefectures due to radiation concerns. Japanese seafood exports are being held up by Chinese customs as a result of tightened radiation inspections. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has urged China to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency's assessment that the water release plan is safe, but China has strongly opposed the release and increased radiation tests in the hope of pressuring Japan to halt or delay the plan. Furthermore, China's increased inspections are likely to result in a decline in seafood orders from Japan, which exported ¥87.1 billion in seafood products to China last year. The European Union has lifted its restrictions on Japanese seafood products, but South Korea maintains a ban on products from Fukushima. Kishida has expressed his willingness to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the water release issue.
Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:51:25 GMT | The Japan Times