Japan's Tsukiji fish market to stop tourist tuna viewings
TAIPEI (AFP) – China and El Salvador established diplomatic relations on Tuesday as the Central American nation broke ties with Taiwan, the latest country to ditch Taipei for Beijing.
The foreign ministers of both countries sealed the move as they signed a document at a ceremony in Beijing to establish relations between the two countries.
But Taiwan announced Tuesday that it had broken off diplomatic ties with El Salvador as it believes the Central American country will establish ties with Beijing.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu condemned China’s ‘’crude actions’’ as he made the announcement.
‘’We will not engage in dollar diplomacy
TOKYO (AFP) – Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market will stop admitting tourists to watch its pre-dawn tuna auctions next month, as it prepares to move locations on October 11, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
After more than 80 years in operation, Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market and a popular tourist attraction in an area packed with restaurants and shops, will move east to Toyosu, the site of a former gas plant.
The market, which opened in 1935, is best known for its pre-dawn daily auctions of tuna, caught from around the world, for use by everyone from top Michelin-star sushi chefs to ordinary grocery stores.
The lively tuna auctions are considered a must-see for visitors to the with China,’’ said Wu, adding that El Salvador had been asking for ‘’huge funding’’ for a port development project which Taiwan was unwilling to give because it would leave both countries in debt.
The move leaves Taiwan with just 17 allies around the world as a growing number switch recognition to China, which sees the self-ruling democratic island as a renegade part of its territory.
Relations between Taipei and Beijing have worsened since Tsai Ing-wen came to power as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of ‘’one China.’’
China has stepped up its poaching of Taiwan’s allies since Tsai became leader in 2016. Japanese capital – despite starting at 5:30am – and daily tourist numbers are capped at 120 people.
The early hour does not seem to put off the tourist crowds and ''some tourists start lining up at around 2am'', the spokeswoman from the Tokyo metropolitan government told AFP.
But access to the tuna auction will end on September 15, as preparatory work for the move gets underway, she added.
Viewing wholesale markets for marine products and vegetables will end on September 29, before the complete Tsukiji market closure on October 6, she said.
''In Toyosu, too, we plan to open a deck for visitors, and also there will be a special aisle for viewers where tourists will be able to watch the tuna auction
El Salvador is the fifth diplomatic loss under Tsai’s leadership and the third this year, following Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic.
Taiwan and China have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-ofwar in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition.
Tsai’s government is trying to enhance Taiwan’s international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms.
Beijing has stepped up pressure on her government by blocking Taiwan from attending a growing list of international events and staging a string of military drills around the island. through a glass wall,'' the Tokyo spokeswoman said.
The Tsukiji market handles 480 kinds of seafood worth $14 million daily – as well as 270 types of fruits and vegetables – and has fed Japan's hunger for fresh seafood since its opening.
But in recent years the antiquated facility has prompted users to voice concerns about its earthquake resistance, sanitation and fire safety, among others.
Plans to move Tsukiji were originally scheduled for 2016, but several delays have set back the timeline, including the discovery of soil contamination at Toyosu.
Tsukiji will be transformed into a transport hub during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, with its long-term future still up in the air.