China will closely watch the knock-on effects caused by Japan's unilateral decision to discharge contaminated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, said Gao Feng, spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce, at a media briefing on Thursday.

The country will also carefully assess the serious threats the dumping may present to the safety and trade of related food and agricultural and aquatic products, to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers.