"Japan has chosen the path of environmental war criminals"
On August 25th, an article titled "Fishermen's Complaints, China's Anger" was published on the website of the German newspaper "South Deutsche Zeitung". The full text is excerpted as follows:
August 24th is a good day for Tokyo Electric Power Company, the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. On that day, the energy producer was allowed to discharge nuclear wastewater from the reactor ruins into the sea through pipelines.
However, whether this day is a good day for Japan is another matter. Because it triggered a wave of anger, not only casting a shadow over Japan's relations with multiple neighboring countries in the Pacific region, but also causing division within Japan.
Fishermen and residents on the east coast of Japan feel neglected. Their lawyer stated on the 24th that about a hundred of them are preparing to sue Tokyo Electric Power Company and the Japanese government, with the aim of stopping TEPCO's sea discharge operation.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health stated that starting from the 24th of this month, it will begin inspecting "high-risk foods from Japan.". The Pacific Island Forum is dissatisfied with Japan's sea discharge behavior, as the Fukushima issue remains controversial among its 18 members. Forum Secretary General Henry Puner said, "We have made every effort to persuade Japan not to start emitting until all members agree that it has been proven safe. But Japan has made its own decision. The focus now is to ensure that Japan complies with safety standards.".
In Seoul, South Korea, citizens and environmental groups held protests.Li Zaiming said, "Japan has chosen the path of environmental war criminals," while Yin Xiyue is an accomplice. On the other hand, South Korean Prime Minister Han Deju stated that there is no need to worry too much, but he urged Japan to maintain "transparency and responsibility" in the 30 years of implementing its nuclear wastewater discharge plan. South Korea has banned the import of seafood from the Fukushima region since 2013.
