China Halts Import of Japanese Koi Fish, Further Straining Relations

China's decision to not renew quarantine contracts effectively ends its import of Japanese koi fish, a symbol of good luck and a popular fixture in wealthy households, further escalating tensions between the two Asian rivals.

Koi fish, known as 'swimming jewels' and symbols of good luck, have become increasingly popular in Asia, with Japan's koi exports doubling over the past decade to $43 million. China was the top importer, receiving one-fifth of these exports.
Due to an outbreak of koi herpes virus in Japan in the 2000s, Japan conducts a compulsory quarantine of 7-10 days for all exports, including to China, to ensure the koi are disease-free.
China had export deals with 15 growers that also provided quarantine, allowing them to skip a separate quarantine process. However, many of these contracts have expired over the years, and China has not renewed the last remaining pre-export quarantine deal that expired on October 30.
The non-renewal of the quarantine contract effectively ends China's import of koi fish from Japan. Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation as to why they haven't taken the necessary steps to continue koi shipments.
This issue adds to the existing tensions between Japan and China, which include disputes over the release of treated but radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and territorial disputes over the East China Sea islands.