Japan's response to China's seafood import ban following the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant has been described by the Japanese foreign ministry as "completely unacceptable." This declaration came in light of China's notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on August 31 regarding the suspension of Japanese aquatic imports that commenced the previous month.
In a rebuttal to China's WTO notification, Japan has expressed its intent to present its viewpoints in relevant WTO committees and has urged China to promptly revoke this restrictive action. Additionally, some Japanese officials have hinted at the possibility of initiating a formal WTO complaint against China's embargo on seafood imports. This prospect has garnered support from the United States, as confirmed by the US ambassador to Japan in recent statements.
Furthermore, on the same day, the foreign ministry of Tokyo issued a separate statement revealing that Japan has formally requested China to engage in discussions concerning the import ban connected to the Fukushima incident, guided by the provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement. The statement conveyed Japan's aspiration for China to initiate these discussions expeditiously and review its measures in alignment with its obligations under the RCEP Agreement.
