In a growing diplomatic rift between China and Japan, Beijing has announced that it will suspend imports of Japanese seafood, a direct retaliation after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made bold remarks about Taiwan.
On November 7, Takaichi suggested in Japan’s parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could amount to a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan — a statement that goes beyond Tokyo’s usual cautious approach and fuels deep anxieties in Beijing.
China’s Justification
As reported by The Guardian, China’s Foreign Ministry, led by spokesperson Mao Ning, has defended the seafood ban on more technical grounds.
He's claiming that Japan has failed to provide the necessary documentation regarding treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
According to Beijing, Japan has not fulfilled requirements for regulation and safety in aquatic exports, which China says undermines the precondition for resuming seafood trade.
A Big Shift
The suspension marks a dramatic reversal in policy. Earlier this year, China had partially lifted its seafood import ban that dated back to August 2023, when it had imposed a near-total halt over concerns stemming from the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
At that time, China allowed imports from most—but not all—Japanese prefectures. Now, however, China’s latest move signals that it is re-imposing the ban "for the foreseeable future."
Political Motivation
Observers widely interpret China’s decision as politically motivated. The seafood ban is viewed not only as a public rebuke over Takaichi’s comments but also as a show of strength to the international community.
Beijing has warned Tokyo to retract the prime minister’s remarks or face “more serious countermeasures.”
Mao Ning explicitly stated that under current conditions, “there would be no market” in China for Japanese seafood — even if Tokyo managed to clear the regulatory hurdles. That blunt message reflects how Beijing is leveraging economic tools to amplify its diplomatic response.
Wider Retaliatory Measures
The seafood suspension is far from China’s only measure. In a broader backlash, Beijing has issued travel advisories warning its citizens against visiting Japan, prompting mass flight cancellations.
At the same time, Chinese state media and officials have strongly condemned Takaichi’s remarks, accusing her of reviving a confrontational or even militaristic posture toward China.
Impact on Japan’s Fishing Industry
For Japan’s seafood exporters, the step is especially painful. Before the previous ban, China accounted for more than a fifth of Japan’s seafood exports.
Many Japanese fishing companies had just begun to re-register and re-enter the Chinese market following the partial import resumption. With Beijing again shutting off this channel, the future becomes deeply uncertain.
Strategic Signal Beyond Trade
Beyond the immediate economic blow, the suspension sends a broader strategic signal. By linking economic retaliation to a foreign leader’s political remarks, China is underlining its sensitivity to perceived threats over Taiwan.
The move illustrates how Beijing is increasingly willing to impose “hybrid” pressure — using trade restrictions, diplomatic protest, and public messaging — to push back against what it sees as provocations.
Conclusion
China’s decision to suspend seafood imports from Japan in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan represents a clear mix of political reprisal and economic coercion.
While technical explanations around safety and documentation are cited, the timing and tone of the response leave little doubt about Beijing’s deeper strategic motivations.
The dispute underscores how fragile Sino-Japanese relations have become, especially as Taiwan remains at the heart of regional tensions.
