Photo/Illutration A fish market in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 14, 2022 (Keitaro Fukuchi)

The Japanese government isn't happy about China’s boosted radiation checks on marine products that are effectively blocking fresh fish imports from Japan and is making its displeasure known.

“We told Chinese officials that we are deeply concerned if full-scale radiation inspections have been put in place,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on July 24.

“It goes against the global trend to relax and lift import restrictions on Japanese food,” he added.

Government officials said its concern over the virtual import ban was expressed through diplomatic channels.

“The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Matsuno said.

China announced earlier this month that it would implement 100 percent inspection measures on seafood imports from Japan to protect consumers.

Chinese buyers are already canceling fresh fish shipments from Japan as the strict measure will result in seafood being held for weeks at customs.

The move comes as Japan plans to start releasing treated and diluted radioactive water this summer from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Tokyo has maintained that the discussion on the issue should be based on science as the International Atomic Energy Agency has said the release is in line with international safety standards.

Related News