ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Seafood trade is expected to be a key topic during Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya’s visit to China on Wednesday. This visit comes after Beijing had banned Japanese seafood imports in response to Tokyo’s decision to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.
Iwaya’s visit to Beijing is his first since becoming Japan’s foreign minister in October. He is scheduled to meet with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other Chinese officials. At the start of his meeting, Iwaya emphasized the importance of fostering concrete examples of future cooperation between Japan and China, expressing that both nations should work together to ensure regional peace and prosperity.
Wang Yi, in his remarks, also underlined that the relationship between Japan and China holds significance beyond just their bilateral ties. “If China-Japan relations are stable, Asia will be more stable,” he said.
One of the major challenges in their relationship remains Japan’s decision to discharge wastewater from the Fukushima plant. China strongly opposed this move, imposing stricter inspections on Japanese goods and eventually banning all seafood imports last year. However, in September, both countries agreed on a framework to eventually resume seafood trade.
Recent reports suggest China is considering lifting the import ban on Japanese seafood. However, China is seeking further reassurances from Japan, specifically on the establishment of a long-term international monitoring system for the treated water, allowing countries like China to conduct independent testing. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that once sufficient monitoring is in place, China would adjust its measures and gradually restore imports that meet established standards.
The one-day visit follows a commitment by both nations’ leaders to work towards a mutually beneficial strategic relationship. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently expressed that China and Japan are at a “critical period of improvement and development” in their ties, calling for both nations to be partners, not threats.
The relationship between the two countries is complex, shaped by deep-rooted geopolitical tensions, historical wartime issues, and rivalries in security matters, despite their strong economic ties. Iwaya may raise concerns about Chinese military activities in Japan’s vicinity, as well as regional security issues, including the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia.
On a more positive note, China has recently extended its visa-free arrangements for Japanese citizens until the end of 2025, and extended the stay period to 30 days. Japan has not yet reciprocated with a similar move, but China has expressed hope that Japan will work toward improving people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
This visit is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to manage and improve the delicate relationship between China and Japan.
