Mao Ning

In response to a media inquiry regarding a Kyodo News report that the Chinese government had notified Japan it would suspend imports of Japanese seafood—reportedly communicated to Tokyo through formal diplomatic channels on Wednesday morning—and Kyodo's analysis suggesting the move might be a countermeasure against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a so-called "Taiwan emergency" at Diet, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that Japan had previously pledged to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities for seafood exported to China and to ensure product safety, which is a precondition for such imports. However, Japan has so far failed to provide the technical documentation it promised.

"I would also stress that Takaichi's regressive actions and her erroneous remarks on major issues including Taiwan question has triggered strong public indignation among Chinese people. Under the current circumstances, even if Japanese seafood were exported to China, there would be no market for it," Mao added.

Global Times