Fri Nov 07 06:39:22 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on the information provided:
Summary:
After a two-year ban, China has lifted its ban on Japanese seafood imports, initially imposed due to concerns over the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Japan has resumed exporting seafood to China, with the first shipment of scallops recently completed. While Japan asserts the water release is safe and backed by international organizations, China is requiring stricter inspection and certification procedures for Japanese seafood imports. The original ban significantly impacted Japan’s seafood industry, particularly scallop exports. China still maintains a ban on seafood from Fukushima and nine surrounding prefectures, as well as Japanese beef.
News Article:
China Resumes Japanese Seafood Imports After Fukushima Water Release Ban
Beijing – China has lifted its two-year ban on seafood imports from Japan, imposed in August 2023 in response to the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The controversial water release, stemming from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that crippled the plant, led to concerns about potential radioactive contamination of seafood.
On Wednesday, Japan exported 6.6 tonnes of scallops to China, marking the first seafood shipment since the ban was implemented. This follows extensive negotiations between the two nations and the implementation of new inspection and certification procedures. Japanese fish processing facilities are now required to register with Chinese authorities, and exporters must provide certificates guaranteeing the seafood has been tested for radioactive materials.
“The government takes the development as a positive move,” said Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
The previous ban had a significant financial impact on Japan’s seafood industry, particularly for scallop and sea cucumber exports. China was Japan’s largest overseas market for seafood.
While Beijing has lifted the overall ban, restrictions remain on seafood from Fukushima and nine surrounding prefectures. Japan continues to urge China to lift these remaining bans and to resume imports of Japanese beef, which were halted in 2001.
Japan maintains that the release of the treated water is safe and complies with international standards, a view supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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