China reinstates Ban on Japanese Seafood Amidst Diplomatic Dispute, Travel to Japan Plummets
Beijing, china – China has announced a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood, effective wednesday, citing concerns over teh treated water released from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This move follows a period of partial lifting of a previous ban and escalates tensions between the two nations, coinciding with a significant drop in travel from China to Japan.
The ban’s reinstatement, reported by Reuters, comes after recent diplomatic friction sparked by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi stated that Japan would intervene to protect Taiwan should China initiate a military operation against the island. Beijing condemned the statement as “scandalous” and demanded a retraction, warning of potential consequences if Japan did not comply.
In response to Takaichi’s remarks, China has taken a series of retaliatory actions. These include dispatching coast guard vessels to patrol waters near disputed islands, canceling scheduled diplomatic meetings, and encouraging Chinese citizens to cancel planned trips to Japan.
The call to cancel travel proved highly effective. According to the Guardian, an estimated half a million flights to Japan where canceled between November 15 and november 17. Seven Chinese airlines have offered free cancellations on already purchased tickets.
Japan has attempted to de-escalate the situation, sending high-ranking diplomats to Beijing for talks. Though, Chinese officials reiterated their demands for japan to retract the statement regarding Taiwan, as reported by China Daily Asia.
The Japanese embassy in China has advised japanese citizens residing in the country to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions, as reported by the Associated Press.
