China's ban on Japanese seafood has more political than economic heft

After Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, China has banned all seafood imports from Japan.
Japan's decision to release radioactive water into the sea has received significant objections and reactions from neighboring countries, especially China.
China has described Japan's move to release the water into the sea as a "selfish and irresponsible act."
The Chinese Customs Ministry announced in a statement that the export of all seafood products from Japan has been banned. Other products, such as sea salt and seaweed, are also included in this ban.
The Chinese Customs Ministry views this ban as a precautionary measure against the risk of radioactive contamination in food.
While some countries have supported Japan's decision, others have strongly opposed the the waste water release. Many Asian consumers have begun stockpiling salt and seafood due to concerns about future contamination.
However, China and the Pacific Islands are opposing the move on regional and international scales, citing potential wide-ranging impacts and threats to human health and marine environments.
Before imposing the seafood ban, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had warned Japan that the the water release could pose risks to the world at large.