Diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have intensified as China tightens checks on Japanese seafood imports in response to Tokyo's plan to release treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.
The General Administration of Customs in China has been inspecting seafood imports from Japan for radiation concerns, extending a ban on seafood products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima.
As the biggest buyer of Japan's seafood exports, China's move comes as Japan prepares to discharge the treated waters, despite Chinese objections. Japan has urged China to remove import restrictions based on scientific evidence.
Experts speculate that China's restrictions aim to instill doubts about the safety of the treated water, questioning Japan's claims about its seafood and fish exports. Meanwhile, the European Union has decided to lift restrictions based on scientific evidence presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
IAEA's report concluded that the water release would be safe with negligible radiological impact, but China's state-run newspaper expressed concerns among seafood consumers.
China's inspections are seen as an attempt to pressure Japan and undermine progress in repairing Korea-Japan relations, despite South Korea endorsing Japan's water release plans upon IAEA's approval.
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