BEIJING – China strongly urged Japan to cancel the plan to release radioactive water into the sea and dispose of it responsibly, reported Xinhua quoting a Foreign Ministry spokesman in Beijing.
Spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news briefing that disregarding the strong concerns and firm opposition from the international community, the Japanese government announced the decision to start releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean from August 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 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 repeatedly 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 radioactive 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 radioactive water is truly safe, Japan would not have to dump it into the sea and certainly should not if it is not, said Wang, adding that it is unjustified, unreasonable and unnecessary for Japan to push ahead with the ocean discharge plan.
Regrettably, Japan has given scarce response to international concerns. It 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. All of this has caused outrage among people in neighbouring countries and in Japan, said Wang.
“The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japan’s nuclear-contaminated water,” said Wang.
China strongly urges Japan to stop its wrongdoing, cancel the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighbouring countries with sincerity and good will, dispose of the radioactive water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight. China will take all steps necessary to protect the marine environment, ensure food safety and safeguard people’s life and health, he said. – Bernama, August 22, 2023
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