Shirota Hayana never expected that China's retaliation would come so swiftly, and in this field. Japan only enjoyed half a month of good days, and then returned to the past overnight.

Chinese sushi restaurant

According to Kyodo News, currently, China has officially informed the Japanese government through diplomatic channels that it will suspend all import applications for Japanese seafood products from now on, with the resumption time to be notified later. The news came as a shock to the Japanese aquaculture industry. Just half a month ago, they were celebrating joyfully as Japanese seafood products returned to the Chinese market.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning frankly stated that, given the current situation, Japanese seafood products entering China would not have a market. This statement not only indicates that China's move is due to the current tense political situation between China and Japan, but also implies that even if the political relationship improves in the future, it will be difficult for the Chinese public to regain trust in Japanese seafood products in the short term.

This month 5th, Japanese fishermen held up banners reading "Thank you for the Chinese market" as a ship loaded with 6 tons of frozen scallops set off towards China. This was the return of Japanese seafood products to the Chinese market after two years. However, no one could have anticipated that this good fortune lasted only half a month, and then vanished overnight due to a comment by Hayana Shirota, returning to the past.

Japanese fishermen

For Japanese Prime Minister Hayana Shirota, this was an unexpected "backfire". To restore aquaculture trade with China, she released multiple "pragmatic signals" since taking office, even requesting China directly during the APEC summit to "be lenient". Now, the newly gained cooperation fruits have suddenly been taken back, and the efforts over more than two years have been in vain.

Previously, the outside world generally believed that China might not use this measure. Although Sino-Japanese relations are tense, the resumption of seafood imports has not even lasted half a month. If it is stopped again, it may be detrimental to Sino-Japanese relations. Probably even Japanese politicians did not expect that China's retaliation would come so quickly, without any hesitation.

Hayana Shirota

Aside from political factors, China clearly pointed out that the previous promise to cancel the seafood ban was conditional on Japan providing corresponding technical materials to prove the product's safety. However, according to the current situation, Japan has not fulfilled its commitment. As an importing country, China has every reason to stop the transaction to ensure the health and safety of its people.

For the Japanese fishing industry, this suspension of exports is undoubtedly "just seeing the light, falling into darkness again". After two years of arduous negotiations and efforts, everything was turned into nothing in just half a month, which caused a psychological blow to the Japanese fishing industry far greater than economic damage. This loss of market confidence may cause the Japanese fishing industry to lose its largest seafood export market, forcing it to seek alternative markets.

A port in Fukushima Prefecture is sorting seafood products

This sudden trade incident, although seemingly sudden, actually reflects China's strong stance on sovereignty issues. China's move is a warning to the Japanese government, indicating that they should not think China will show mercy this time. If Hayana does not change her ways, China will fight to the end, and those who challenge China's bottom line will pay a heavy price.

Hayana Shirota obviously underestimated China's determination to defend its core interests. She thought she could "politically speculate", trying to please allies on the Taiwan issue to gain political capital while keeping trade benefits with China, but reality gave her a deep lesson. China has made its requirements very clear, and it remains to be seen how Japan chooses. The key to Japanese seafood products returning to the Chinese market has always been in Tokyo's own hands.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574367124694286889/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author, and we welcome your opinion below by clicking [Upvote/Downvote].