China closer to lifting Japanese seafood ban with vow to ‘study’ request

China on Friday appeared to move closer to lifting its ban on Japanese seafood imports, with the foreign ministry pledging to “study” Tokyo’s request on the matter.

The move is another sign that Beijing is trying to reset ties with its East Asian neighbour amid growing US trade uncertainty, according to an expert on China-Japan relations.

The Chinese foreign ministry comment came in response to a media query about Japan’s claim that the two sides had agreed on technical conditions for the resumption of such shipments.

“Relevant authorities will study Japan’s request to resume exports of Japanese aquatic products to China in accordance with the principles of science and safety, domestic regulations and international trade rules,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

Hours earlier, Chinese customs confirmed “substantial progress” in the new round of bilateral “technical exchanges” over the safety of Japanese seafood held in Beijing on Wednesday, but offered no details.

According to Lin, Japan pledged during the talks to take “credible and visible” measures to ensure the safety and quality of its seafood so as to meet China’s regulatory standards.

South China Morning Post