Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

China Welcomes Japanese Beef After 24-Year Ban

7/12/2025

30 7

Summary

China Welcomes Japanese Beef

After a 24-year hiatus, China is ready to welcome Japanese beef back into its markets, a significant shift following concerns over mad cow disease. This breakthrough follows discussions between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Japanese lawmaker Hiroshi Moriyama, paving the way for a 2019 agreement that could unleash a lucrative $2.3 billion opportunity for Japan.

Summary

Iwaya Addresses China Concerns

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya voiced his worries about China's military maneuvers and rare earth export limits during discussions with diplomat Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur. This dialogue, aimed at strengthening relations, followed China's recent decision to lift a seafood import ban. Iwaya also pushed for the revival of Japanese beef imports, which have been suspended since 2001.

1 of 2

China Welcomes Japanese Beef

After a 24-year hiatus, China is ready to welcome Japanese beef back into its markets, a significant shift following concerns over mad cow disease. This breakthrough follows discussions between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Japanese lawmaker Hiroshi Moriyama, paving the way for a 2019 agreement that could unleash a lucrative $2.3 billion opportunity for Japan.

1 / 2