Full of uncertainty, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge into the sea is an unprecedented risky plan | Oppose | Japan
On July 6th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked: After the International Atomic Energy Agency released the comprehensive assessment report on the disposal of Fukushima nuclear contaminated water in Japan, there has been a continuous surge of opposition to the discharge of nuclear wastewater into the sea both domestically and internationally. The Japan Fisheries Association and others are preparing to submit approximately 33000 signatures to Tokyo Electric Power Company opposing the discharge of nuclear wastewater into the sea. The South Korean Democratic Party has decided to consider proposing legislation to completely ban Japanese seafood imports. More than 1.05 million South Koreans have participated in the party's signature campaign against Japan's Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge into the sea. The former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, a Pacific island country, stated that the International Atomic Energy Agency's report cannot convince the public and will continue to raise questions to the United Nations and other relevant international organizations. What is the spokesperson's comment on this?
The spokesperson stated that China has repeatedly clarified its position on Japan's strong push for the discharge of nuclear contaminated water into the sea, and I would like to emphasize three more points. Firstly, what Japan values the most is how to reduce economic costs, rather than how to maintain the marine ecological environment and human health. There are multiple options for the disposal of nuclear contaminated water. The Japanese side has chosen the least economically cost-effective sea discharge plan, but has shifted the risk of nuclear pollution to the world. This approach of prioritizing money over human life and health will inevitably face opposition from the international community.
Secondly, the Japanese side did not fully consult with the international community, especially stakeholders. In April 2021, the Japanese government unilaterally announced its intention to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea. In July 2022, despite strong opposition from the international community, especially neighboring countries and other stakeholders, it officially approved the discharge plan and repeatedly emphasized that it would not be postponed. All of these fully reflect Japan's selfishness and arrogance. Although Japan is under domestic and international pressure to request the International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct a review and evaluation, the discharge of nuclear contaminated water into the sea is a predetermined result for Japan. Inviting the agency to evaluate is just a facade.
Thirdly, discharging into the sea is an unprecedented adventure full of uncertainty. The international community has ample reasons to express concerns and dissatisfaction. The Chinese side once again urges the Japanese side, in a responsible attitude towards the marine environment and human health, to stop forcefully promoting plans to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea, and not to impose unpredictable risks on the international community.