China urges Japan to cancel plan to release Fukushima water into ocean

 

China strongly urges Japan to cancel the plan to release nuclear-contaminated water into the sea and dispose of it responsibly, reported Xinhua quoting a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a news briefing that in disregard of the strong concerns and firm opposition from the international community, the Japanese government announced the decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from Aug 24.

“This is extremely selfish and irresponsible, as the discharge will spread the risks of nuclear contamination to the rest of the world, and by doing so, Japan is putting its selfish interests above the long-term wellbeing of the entire humanity. China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this. We have made serious demarches to Japan,” said Wang.

For the past two years and more, the legitimacy, legality, and safety of Japan's ocean discharge plan has been questioned by the international community.

Japan has yet to address major international concerns such as the long-term reliability of the purification facility, the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangement, he said.

China and other stakeholders have pointed out on multiple occasions that if the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is truly safe, Japan wouldn’t have to dump it into the sea and certainly shouldn’t if it’s not, said Wang, adding that it is unjustified, unreasonable and unnecessary for Japan to push through the ocean discharge plan.

Wang said, regrettably, Japan has given scarce response to international concerns and instead has been trying to create an impression that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless.

It has even made unfounded accusations against neighbouring countries who have expressed legitimate concerns and all of this has caused outrage among people in neighbouring countries and in Japan, he said.

“The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japan’s nuclear-contaminated water,” said Wang.

He said China strongly urges Japan to cancel the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighbouring countries with sincerity and good will, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight.

Wang added that China will take all steps necessary to protect the marine environment, ensure food safety and safeguard people's life and health.

- Bernama