A Japanese business delegation called for the end of China's ban on seafood imports from Japan at a meeting Thursday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, but he did not give a clear response to the request, according to participants.

Li, however, called for deeper cooperation between the two Asian neighbors during the meeting with the 200-member business mission held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The seafood import ban was introduced over the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

The Japanese group, which includes representatives of the country's largest business lobby Japan Business Federation known as Keidanren, also urged China to implement its counterespionage law in a transparent manner and strive to improve its strained ties with the United States as part of its proposals handed to the premier.

Japan Business Federation Chairman Masakazu Tokura (C) and Japan-China Economic Association head Kosei Shindo (L), part of a Japanese business delegation visiting China, hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Jan. 25, 2024. (Pool photo) (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

A Japanese business delegation called for the end of China's ban on seafood imports from Japan at a meeting Thursday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, but he did not give a clear response to the request, according to participants.

Li, however, called for deeper cooperation between the two Asian neighbors during the meeting with the 200-member business mission held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The seafood import ban was introduced over the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

The Japanese group, which includes representatives of the country's largest business lobby Japan Business Federation known as Keidanren, also urged China to implement its counterespionage law in a transparent manner and strive to improve its strained ties with the United States as part of its proposals handed to the premier.


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