Chinese Netizens Express Concerns and Suspicions Over G7's Call for Japanese Food Import Restriction Withdrawal
In response to the recent call by the Group of Seven (G7) trade ministers for the withdrawal of Japanese food import restrictions, Chinese netizens on Weibo have expressed a range of reactions, with some expressing concern over the potential influx of radiation-contaminated food and others questioning the intentions behind the G7's call.
30 October 2023
The official WeChat public number of the Chinese Embassy in Japan shared a statement from the Chinese embassy spokesperson regarding the trade ministerial meetings of the G7, which resulted in calls for Japan to withdraw its food import restrictions and cooperate in the face of economic coercion. The statement sparked heated discussions among Chinese netizens on Weibo.
One netizen expressed concern about the possibility of radiation-contaminated food entering China if Japanese food import restrictions were lifted, stating that "If Japan's food import restrictions are lifted, most of the radiation-contaminated food will surely flow into our country. What is their intention of this G7 group?" This suggests a concern for public health and safety in China and a suspicion about the intentions of the G7 countries.
Another netizen expressed frustration towards the G7 countries, stating that "These seven countries like Japanese products so much, why don't they help Japan and buy more from there? Why do they always demand others to import Japanese products?" This suggests a belief that the G7 countries should take more responsibility in supporting Japan's economy without imposing pressure on other nations.
Some netizens also questioned the intentions of the G7, accusing them of being self-serving and ignoring their own responsibilities towards food safety. One netizen commented that "Japan should ship these radiation-contaminated foods to the Western Seven Nations for consumption, and at the same time, call on them to import Japanese food." This suggests a belief that the G7 countries are not doing enough to address food safety issues and are instead pressuring other nations to take on their responsibilities.
In conclusion, the Weibo reactions from Chinese netizens reflect a range of concerns and suspicions about the intentions of the G7 in calling for Japan to withdraw its food import restrictions. Some express worry over the potential influx of radiation-contaminated food, while others question the G7's responsibility towards food safety and their intention behind the call.