San Francisco - After a year-long hiatus, the leaders of Japan and China convened in San Francisco on Thursday for a landmark face-to-face summit. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions aimed at finding a resolution to their differences over the release of waste water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida underscored the importance of approaching the issue with a "calm and scientific approach," seeking an environmentally safe and responsible solution to the ongoing wastewater problem. This comes as Japan grapples with the decision to discharge treated water from the crippled nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The Japanese readout of the meeting confirmed that Prime Minister Kishida urged President Xi to swiftly lift the import restrictions on Japanese seafood, which were imposed by China following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. This move would help revive Japan's fishing industry, which has suffered immensely due to the ban.

The release of the treated water, containing traces of radioactive materials, has been a contentious issue between Japan and its neighboring countries, including China and South Korea. Critics argue that discharging the water could have serious consequences for the marine ecosystem and pose potential health risks to humans.

China's stance on the issue remains unclear. However, the meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Xi signifies a crucial step towards advancing bilateral relations and addressing the concerns surrounding the Fukushima wastewater release.

The summit, which takes place amidst heightened tensions in the region, provides an opportunity for both nations to promote dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including economic ties, regional security, and climate change. This face-to-face meeting serves as a significant diplomatic breakthrough between Japan and China, setting the stage for further engagement and collaboration in the future.

The leaders expressed their commitment to work together closely and seek a mutually beneficial resolution to the Fukushima wastewater issue. As the international community closely watches this development, the focus now shifts to the actions and decisions taken by both countries in the coming weeks.

The meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Xi demonstrates the importance of diplomatic engagement and dialogue in resolving contentious issues. Both countries have expressed their willingness to find common ground that balances environmental concerns with scientific expertise. The outcome of this discussion will have significant implications for Japan, China, and the broader international community.

As discussions continue, it is anticipated that further negotiations and scientific assessments will play a pivotal role in determining the future course of action concerning the release of Fukushima's treated water.