China Lifts Ban on Most Japanese Seafood After Fukushima Wastewater Safety Confirmed

China has lifted its nearly two-year ban on seafood imports from most regions of Japan, a move that partially resolves the prolonged dispute over Japan's release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The ban, imposed in 2023, followed Japan's controversial decision to gradually discharge treated water into the Pacific Ocean, a process supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency but strongly opposed by China. China continues to ban seafood imports from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, and requires exporters to reapply for registration with strict supervision and provide health and compliance certificates. The reopening reflects China's assessment that long-term monitoring of the wastewater has shown no abnormalities, signaling a softening stance despite historical and ongoing tensions between the two nations. This development offers relief to Japan's fisheries industry, which had been significantly impacted as China accounted for more than one-fifth of its seafood exports. However, stringent conditions remain on seafood imports to ensure safety and address environmental concerns.