China has notified Japan of its decision to halt imports of Japanese seafood, escalating tensions over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. Earlier this month, China had resumed imports after lifting a ban imposed in August 2023 over Fukushima’s treated radioactive water release. Diplomatic talks between senior officials failed to resolve differences, as Tokyo refused Beijing’s demand to retract Takaichi’s statements suggesting a military attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival.
Beijing has also issued travel warnings, urging citizens to reconsider visiting or studying in Japan, while Tokyo dismissed the alerts, asserting public safety remains stable. Japan announced new safety measures for students in China, and protests were lodged over a threatening social media post targeting Takaichi. Tensions now affect tourism, education, and cultural exchanges between the two neighbors.
