China to Resume Imports of Japanese Marine Products, Aiming to Improve Bilateral Relations

China and Japan have reached an agreement to resume imports of Japanese ⁢marine products, ending China’s suspension that ​began last August. ‍This move is expected to improve bilateral relations, although other issues such‍ as ​territorial disputes and recent violent incidents still pose challenges. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed optimism about the lifting of the ⁣embargo after a⁤ conversation with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Japanese side has insisted on having monitoring​ led by the IAEA throughout ⁣negotiations with China, while China initially demanded its own monitoring without involvement from Japan or the IAEA. The expansion of monitoring is an‌ initiative taken by the IAEA to address concerns about the safety of treated water.‍ Japan’s consideration⁤ for other countries, including South Korea, which has shown understanding towards the water release, is also‌ evident in this decision. Behind this accord lies Beijing’s desire to improve relations ⁣with Japan and ⁤attract more investment amid its economic slump. Pacific island nations that ​had expressed ‍concern over treated water have also‌ softened their stances recently. However, there are still numerous unresolved​ issues between China and Japan, such as territorial intrusions near ⁤Senkaku Islands and detentions on suspicion of espionage. Recent ‌incidents like Chinese ⁣military⁤ aircraft violating Japanese airspace and a ⁣fatal stabbing in Shenzhen have further strained relations between both countries. It remains uncertain how these challenges will impact ⁢future efforts ⁢to​ improve bilateral ties.