The US military stationed in Japan has recently made a bold move by purchasing large quantities of the country’s seafood in response to China’s ban on these products. This ban came into effect after the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, stated that the United States may explore further measures to counter China’s ban, describing it as part of Beijing’s “economic wars.”
China had been the largest buyer of Japanese seafood, but due to safety concerns, it has now put a halt on imports. Last year alone, Japan exported over 100,000 tons of scallops to China. However, the first purchase made under this scheme only amounted to just under a metric ton of shellfish. Mr. Emanuel stated that this initial purchase is part of a long-term contract that aims to cover various types of seafood over time.
The acquired seafood will be utilized to feed military personnel and will also be sold in shops and restaurants on military bases. Mr. Emanuel emphasized the importance of assisting the targeted country or industry in order to counter China’s economic coercion effectively. Notably, this is the first time that the American military has purchased Japanese seafood in Japan. Furthermore, the US may consider reevaluating its fish imports from both Japan and China.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, responded to Mr. Emanuel’s comments by stating that diplomats should focus on promoting friendship between nations instead of spreading negativity and causing trouble. It is worth noting that Mr. Emanuel has previously expressed his concerns regarding China’s economic policies and its treatment of foreign businesses.
These developments occur at a time when high-ranking US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited Beijing with the aim of de-escalating tensions between the two largest economies in the world.
Since the devastating tsunami in 2011, which severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant, over a million tonnes of treated waste water have accumulated at the site. Despite Japan’s assurance of its safety and widespread agreement among scientists, China implemented the import ban. Additionally, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog approved Japan’s plan for the treated waste water. Japan has also highlighted that similar releases of waste water occur at other nuclear power plants in China and France. Regular reports are submitted by Japan to demonstrate that there are no detectable levels of radioactivity in the seawater near Fukushima.
In a related development, trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G7), which consists of the world’s largest “advanced” economies, recently called for an immediate repeal of bans on Japanese food. It is evident that China’s import restriction has caused a significant decline in its import of fish from Japan.
This ongoing dispute raises concerns among the scientific community regarding the potential impact on water resources. Some scientists worry about the long-term consequences of the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
The US military’s decision to purchase Japanese seafood showcases its commitment to supporting the targeted industry and country, thereby opposing China’s economic coercion. This move may have various implications for both Japan and China, as it could potentially reshape their trade relationship and influence the global seafood market.
However, it is important to approach this situation with caution and carefully evaluate the consequences. Delicate diplomatic dynamics are at play, and further actions should be taken to de-escalate tensions between the involved parties. Additionally, the environmental impact of the treated waste water release should be continuously monitored to ensure the safety of water resources in the region.
