China is reportedly prepared to lift its ban on Japanese seafood imports contingent upon Japan and the U.N. nuclear watchdog allowing third-party countries to monitor the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. This development follows Japan's plans to expand the roles of third-party countries in monitoring the water discharge, which has been a point of contention since the ban was imposed last August. Meanwhile, Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell expressed optimism that China will lift its import ban on Australian rock lobsters by Christmas, following a thaw in relations between the two nations and the removal of other trade impediments. The lobster ban, linked to alleged contamination issues, remains one of the last trade barriers, with Australian officials preparing for talks in Beijing. Farrell noted his confidence in resolving the lobster issue, emphasizing it as a challenge to the improved bilateral relations. Both countries are navigating complex trade negotiations amid ongoing sensitivities and technical disputes.