The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Japan's announcement of launching nuclear contaminated water discharge into the sea: solemn negotiations have been made | Japan | spokesperson
On August 22, Xinhua News Agency reported that the Japanese government has decided to initiate the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to questions at a regular press conference on August 22, stating that Japan's actions are extremely irresponsible. China has made solemn representations to Japan and will take all necessary measures to maintain the marine environment, food safety, and public health.
Wang Wenbin said that the Japanese government, disregarding the serious concerns and resolute opposition of the international community, insists on announcing the launch of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge into the sea on August 24th, openly shifting the risk of nuclear pollution to the world and putting its own interests above the long-term well-being of all humanity. This move is extremely selfish and irresponsible. The Chinese side is seriously concerned and strongly opposes it, and has made solemn representations to the Japanese side.
He stated that for over two years, the legitimacy, legality, and safety of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge plan have been questioned by the international community. The Japanese side has yet to address major concerns from the international community regarding the long-term reliability of nuclear contaminated water purification devices, the accuracy of nuclear contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of monitoring arrangements for discharge into the sea. China and other stakeholders have repeatedly pointed out that if nuclear contaminated water is safe, there is no need to discharge it into the sea, and if it is not safe, it should not be discharged into the sea. Japan's push to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea is unfair, unreasonable, and unnecessary.
"Unfortunately, Japan has turned a blind eye to international calls, deliberately creating a false image of safe and harmless discharge into the sea, and even unjustly accusing neighboring countries that express legitimate concerns. Its actions have aroused strong indignation from neighboring countries and domestic people." Wang Wenbin said.
Wang Wenbin stated that the ocean is a common property of all humanity and Japan cannot be allowed to dump nuclear contaminated water. China strongly urges Japan to correct its erroneous decision, withdraw its plan to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea, communicate with neighboring countries in good faith with a sincere attitude, dispose of nuclear contaminated water in a responsible manner, and accept strict international supervision. China will take all necessary measures to maintain the marine environment, food safety, and public health.
