Japanese Opposition Lawmakers Urge End to China’s Seafood Import Ban

Japanese opposition lawmakers met with Chinese officials to discuss ending the seafood import ban imposed by China. The meeting underscored the necessity for improved bilateral relations and high-level exchanges. Despite existing tensions, political and economic dialogues are increasing between the two nations, with upcoming meetings planned for further discussion.

On Thursday, a group of Japanese opposition lawmakers advocated for the termination of China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports during a meeting with a senior representative of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing. The delegation’s leader, Katsuya Okada, conveyed the importance of enhancing Japan-China relations and fostering a strategy rooted in peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

Li Shulei, who oversees the Publicity Department of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, emphasized the need for both nations to direct efforts toward mutually beneficial ties. Okada also requested increased high-level political exchanges between the two nations during discussions held at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

The lawmakers are currently engaged in a four-day visit to China following a memorandum of understanding signed last August between the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and the Communist Party, aimed at enhancing cooperation and dialogue. This visit occurs amid improving Sino-Japanese relations despite challenges, including China’s seafood import ban instituted in August 2023 in response to the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

In September 2022, Tokyo and Beijing had tentatively reached an agreement to gradually resume seafood imports, contingent upon China’s involvement in monitoring activities. Okada, a former foreign minister, has urged China to state the reasons for any court rulings against Japanese nationals detained on espionage charges in China.

This visit is particularly significant as it coincides with a rise in political and economic interactions between Japan and China, despite ongoing frictions. Notably, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi is anticipated to visit Japan for a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, along with bilateral discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, which would mark the first high-level bilateral economic dialogue in approximately six years.

In conclusion, the delegation of Japanese opposition lawmakers is proactively advocating for the removal of China’s seafood import ban, emphasizing the need for improved diplomatic relations. The meeting highlighted aspirations for high-level political exchanges and the necessity for transparency regarding legal matters affecting Japanese nationals. The ongoing interactions between Japan and China indicate a potential for enhanced cooperation amid existing challenges.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net