Title: Japan Expresses Regret over Harassment Calls from China Regarding Fukushima Water Release
Date: August 28, 2023
Tokyo – The Japanese government has expressed extreme regret over multiple instances of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China regarding the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, addressed the issue during a regular news conference on Monday.
“A lot of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are occurring in Japan… These developments are extremely regrettable and we are concerned,” stated Matsuno. Japan has strongly condemned the harassment calls, emphasizing the negative impact they could have on the relationship between the two countries.
On Thursday, Japan began the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific. This step is crucial in the decommissioning process of the plant, which experienced triple meltdowns in 2011 after a powerful earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami.
The Chinese foreign ministry has yet to respond to a request for comment regarding Matsuno’s remarks.
Reported by Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo and Martin Pollard in Beijing, this issue highlights the ongoing tensions between Japan and China. The Fukushima nuclear disaster has been a source of contention between the two nations, with China closely monitoring the handling of the radioactive water release.
It is essential for both countries to engage in open and constructive dialogue to address concerns, ensuring that accurate information is shared transparently. The relations between Japan and China have a significant influence on regional stability and cooperation in East Asia.
Editing by Jacqueline Wong.
Disclaimer: This article adheres to the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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