China has reiterated its strong opposition to Japan’s ongoing discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. During a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors on Monday, Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the IAEA, emphasized the need for enhanced international supervision over Japan’s actions.
Since February 28, Japan has released over 23,000 tonnes of contaminated water, despite resistance from local fishermen, residents, and the international community. Li criticized the move as unprecedented, posing risks of nuclear contamination that extend beyond Japan’s boundaries, making it a global concern rather than a national issue.
Li further stated that Japan’s reliance on the IAEA to validate its discharge plan has undermined the agency’s credibility and disrupted the international nuclear safety framework. He urged Japan to halt the release and highlighted China’s proactive role in advocating for strict, effective international monitoring to protect marine environments and public health.
China is actively participating in the IAEA's monitoring efforts in Fukushima and maintains open communication with Japan. Li expressed confidence that China’s involvement, along with other stakeholders, ensures that the international supervision of the wastewater discharge is thorough, independent, and effective.
Addressing concerns about the legitimacy, safety, and long-term impacts of the wastewater release, Li pointed to recent incidents, including an earthquake in the Noto Peninsula and significant leaks from the Fukushima plant’s purification equipment, as evidence of the operation’s risks. He called on Japan to responsibly manage and dispose of the wastewater to prevent further harm to the global marine environment.
China remains ready to collaborate with all parties to enhance communication, support monitoring activities, and strengthen international oversight, aiming to restore and maintain clean and safe oceans worldwide. 🌍💧
