China bans Japan seafood after Fukushima nuclear plant begins wastewater release

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northern Japan shortly after its operator began releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean (Kyodo News via AP)

The tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has begun releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean – a controversial step that prompted China to ban seafood from Japan.

People inside and outside the country protested against the wastewater release, with Japanese fishing groups fearing it will further damage the reputation of their seafood and groups in China and South Korea raising concerns, making it a political and diplomatic issue.