China and Japan have finally reached a consensus regarding the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant after a dispute that lasted over two years. Beijing had initially called the release a major nuclear safety issue with cross-border implications and imposed a ban on all aquatic products from Japan. However, Japan defended its decision stating that the plan met international standards and would have a negligible impact on people and the environment.
The two countries have now agreed on Japan establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders to conduct independent sampling and monitoring. Despite this agreement, China stated that they will not immediately resume imports of Japanese aquatic products. They plan to carry out technical consultations with Japan and gradually resume imports in the future. Although the consensus has been reached, it is clear that China is taking a cautious approach before fully restoring trade relations with Japan in this regard.
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