China Suspends Japanese Seafood Imports Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

China has announced a suspension of Japanese seafood imports, escalating a diplomatic dispute triggered by recent remarks about Taiwan, Japanese media reported on Wednesday. The move comes amid growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, with significant economic and geopolitical implications.

The suspension was reportedly issued following comments by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who suggested on November 7 that Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, reacted angrily, summoning Tokyo's ambassador and issuing advisories for Chinese citizens traveling or studying in Japan.

According to Japanese media, including NHK, China justified the seafood import suspension as a precautionary measure to monitor treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, despite international assurances. The United Nations atomic agency has backed Japan’s release process, and plant operator TEPCO confirmed that radioactive elements had been filtered out, leaving only tritium within safe levels.

This decision marks a reversal from earlier in 2025, when China had resumed buying Japanese seafood following a previous ban imposed after Fukushima began discharging treated water in 2023. Russia has since followed China’s lead, also halting imports of Japanese seafood.

Seafood exports to China constitute a substantial share of Japan’s marine trade. In 2023, shipments to mainland China represented 15.6% of Japan’s total seafood exports, amounting to roughly ¥390 billion ($2.5 billion). Hong Kong accounted for 26.1%, and the United States made up 15.7%. Analysts warn that the new ban could heavily disrupt trade flows and impact the Japanese fishing industry.

China’s foreign ministry reiterated its strong opposition to Takaichi’s statements. Spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the premier’s remarks “seriously violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations” and “fundamentally damage the political foundation of China-Japan relations.” In response, Japan has urged its citizens in China to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings.

Efforts to defuse tensions have been underway. Masaaki Kanai, Japan’s top Asia-Pacific foreign affairs official, held talks in Beijing with Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong on Tuesday. During consultations, China lodged a strong protest over the “erroneous remarks” of PM Takaichi, underscoring the sensitive political and economic dimensions of the dispute.

Beyond the diplomatic fallout, this latest development highlights how geopolitical disputes can swiftly affect trade relations, with both countries navigating the dual pressures of national security and economic interests. Analysts warn that the move could have ripple effects across the Asia-Pacific seafood market and further strain the fragile China-Japan relationship, already challenged by territorial disputes and military posturing in recent years.

The suspension of imports, combined with the postponement of Japanese film releases in China, signals a broader diplomatic standoff that could endure if tensions over Taiwan persist. Observers are closely watching how both nations will balance political posturing with economic pragmatism in the coming weeks.