Tokyo: China has decided to halt all imports of Japanese seafood, deepening an already strained relationship between the two Asian neighbours. The move comes after a fresh diplomatic clash triggered by comments from Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on potential military action if a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatened Japan’s security.

According to Japanese media, China informed Tokyo of the suspension earlier this week. Chinese authorities said they needed more time to assess Japan’s release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, although the decision appears closely linked to the escalating political dispute.

The ban marks a sharp reversal from just a few months ago. In mid 2025, China had cautiously resumed limited imports from some Japanese regions after a two year long freeze. Japan had even managed to export a shipment of scallops to China, raising hopes for a gradual recovery in trade.

Those expectations have now collapsed. The complete suspension is a major blow for Japan’s fishing industry, which has long depended on Chinese demand. Before the Fukushima dispute, China accounted for more than one fifth of Japan’s seafood exports, especially high value products such as scallops and sea cucumbers.

The diplomatic clash has also spilled beyond trade. China has warned its citizens about travelling to Japan, leading to a wave of cancelled trips during what is usually a busy tourism season. Both governments have yet to issue detailed comments on the new trade restriction.

The latest decision reflects how fast commercial relations can shift when political tensions rise. Analysts say the link between security concerns over Taiwan and economic measures could make the situation harder to resolve.

Japan is now expected to look for alternative markets while assessing how to manage the diplomatic fallout.

The suspension adds another layer of uncertainty to the already fragile ties between Asia’s largest economies, with no clear sign of de escalation in the near future.