China has doubled down on calls for stronger international supervision of Japan’s controversial release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, warning the move threatens marine ecosystems and human health worldwide. 🌍🔬
Despite protests from local fishermen, residents, and neighboring countries, Japan began its fourth round of wastewater discharge into the Pacific Ocean last week. Over 23,000 tonnes have been released so far, according to Chinese envoy Li Song, who addressed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday. 🚩🇯🇵
Li criticized Japan for unilaterally pushing ahead with the plan, arguing the discharge—linked to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster—is \"by no means a private matter\" for Japan. He highlighted concerns over bio-concentration risks, equipment reliability, and the accuracy of data provided by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant’s operator. 🧪⚠️
Recent events, including a Noto Peninsula earthquake and leaks at Fukushima’s purification facilities, have intensified fears. \"Japan’s actions undermine the IAEA’s credibility,\" Li stated, urging Tokyo to address global concerns and collaborate on \"independent, long-term monitoring\" with neighbors and stakeholders. 🤝📉
China has led efforts to establish stricter IAEA-led oversight, emphasizing the need to protect oceans for future generations. 🌊✨ \"This isn’t just science—it’s about responsibility,\" Li added, pledging China’s continued support for international monitoring efforts.
