China on Wednesday defended its ban on seafood imports from Japan after Tokyo hinted it would file a complaint to the World Trade Organization over the step introduced following the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference Beijing's measure is "truly legitimate and necessary" as it is in accordance with the country's laws and regulations, as well as a WTO agreement concerning the application of food safety and animal and plant health regulations.
Describing the Fukushima water release that commenced last week as an "irresponsible and selfish act," Wang noted that the international community has criticized this action and taken precautionary measures in response.
The two Asian neighbors have been at odds over the safety of the water being released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, severely damaged by a massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami, further straining their already unstable bilateral ties.
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