Discussions on seafood trade are likely to dominate the agenda when Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya makes his first visit to Beijing since he assumed office in October, the former top export market for Japanese aquatic products. During his visit, he will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials.
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant wastewater discharge remains a contentious issue in trade relations. Beijing strongly condemned Tokyo’s decision to release treated radioactive water into the ocean, responding by tightening inspections on Japanese goods and imposing a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports in August last year.
However, in September, both governments agreed to a deal that would see the resumption of seafood trade. Nikkei now reports that China is said to be considering lifting the import ban, pending assurances from Tokyo. Beijing wants an international monitoring framework for the long term and independent sampling access for stakeholders like China. “With adequate monitoring, China will adjust relevant measures and gradually resume imports that meet standards and regulations,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The one-day visit suits efforts by both nations towards building a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping while meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Lima, Peru, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum that the two countries should “be partners, not threats.” Xi described their current ties as being in a “critical period of improvement and development.
Despite close economic and investment ties, security and territorial disputes between China and Japan persist, combined with historical wartime sensitivities. The first Japanese foreign minister to visit China since last April, Iwaya, is expected to address those issues, including Chinese military activities around Japan and broader regional problems such as North Korea.
Japan recently expressed ‘grave concern’ over North Korea’s security alliance with Russia, which could provide Pyongyang access to advanced military technology and combat experience. Ukrainian reports indicate that North Korea has deployed around 12,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine, with warnings of further personnel and equipment contributions.
On less contentious issues, China may encourage Japan to reciprocate recent visa policy relaxations. Last month, China reinstated visa-free travel for Japanese citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days, an extension from the pre-pandemic limit of 14 days. The policy, effective until the end of 2025, is part of China’s broader efforts to expand visa-free arrangements.
Although Japan has not adopted a reciprocal policy, Beijing hopes that Tokyo will make efforts to improve people-to-people exchanges.
