China informed Japan on Wednesday that it will ban all imports of Japanese seafood, media outlets reported—a decision amid an escalating diplomatic dispute between Asia's two largest economies. Tensions ignited after new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated this month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival could trigger a military response.
The decision effectively returns to restrictions imposed in August 2023 following Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Beijing had partially eased them months ago, but the reimposition is due to the need for further monitoring of the water release, Kyodo news agency reported citing sources. China's commerce ministry and customs administration did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Representatives for Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries were not immediately available.
The move delivers a painful blow to Japan. Before the 2023 ban, China was Japan's top buyer of scallops and a major importer of sea cucumbers. Nearly 700 Japanese exporters had applied to re-register for shipments to China, but only three had been approved to date. In June, China said it would resume importing products from all but 10 of Japan's 47 prefectures.
The diplomatic dispute has spilled over into travel. China urged its citizens not to travel to Japan, leading to mass cancellations. More than 10 Chinese airlines have offered refunds on Japan-bound routes until December 31, with one airline analyst estimating around 500,000 tickets canceled. A person at a state-owned Chinese bank said staff were informally told requests to travel to Japan would not be approved for the time being.
Tourism accounts for around 7% of Japan's GDP, with visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong comprising about a fifth of arrivals. An annual meeting of scholars from both countries in Beijing, due to start Saturday, has been postponed, China's foreign ministry said. An event promoting Japan-China friendship scheduled for November 21 in Hiroshima has also been canceled. China has suspended screenings of upcoming Japanese films. Japanese singer MARiA wrote on Weibo: "China is like my second homeland to me and all my friends in China are my cherished family—I will always support One China."
Tokyo has said Takaichi's remarks are in line with the government's position, suggesting no breakthrough imminent. Japan warned its citizens in China on Monday to increase safety precautions.