Japan Begins Release of Treated Fukushima Wastewater, Drawing Criticism from China
Japan has started the process of releasing treated radioactive wastewater from its Fukushima nuclear plant, a move that has received backlash from China and other regional countries. The operation, which began on Thursday, aims to free up space at the crippled nuclear power plant. However, China has strongly condemned the release, calling it a “selfish and irresponsible act” that poses a threat to the international public interest.
The release of the treated water has been met with fierce objections from consumers and some governments in the region. Beijing has been at the forefront of the criticism, arguing that the release could have broad implications on the regional and international scale, potentially harming human health and the marine environment. Many consumers in Asia have already started hoarding salt and seafood in fear of future contamination.
Describing the move as a risk passed on to the whole world, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement denouncing Japan’s actions. The statement accused Japan of ignoring the international public interest and extending the pain and risks to future generations. It added that Japan has placed itself in the international dock and will face condemnation from the international community for a long time.
China has already banned imports of food from Fukushima and nine other regions earlier this summer. Hong Kong has also followed suit, announcing a ban on food products imported from certain parts of Japan, including capital Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, and Tochigi. The city, which is Japan’s second-largest export market for seafood outside mainland China, will prohibit the import of live, frozen, chilled, dried, or preserved seafood products, sea salt, and unprocessed or processed seaweed.
Despite the backlash, Japan maintains that its plan is safe. The treated water has undergone continuous filtration to remove harmful elements and has been stored in tanks for years. The water will be heavily diluted with clean water before its release, ensuring it has only very low concentrations of radioactive material. Third-party monitoring, including by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will be conducted during and after the discharge to ensure international safety standards are met.
The wastewater at the Fukushima nuclear plant resulted from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which contaminated the water with highly radioactive material. The plan to release the treated water has been in the works for years, as authorities warned of limited storage space. Japan argues that the discharge is urgently needed and is the only option available. While some countries, such as the US, have voiced support for Japan’s decision, others, including China and the Pacific Islands, remain firm in their opposition.
The release of the treated Fukushima wastewater will be closely monitored by international organizations like the IAEA, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. Japan’s actions will undoubtedly continue to generate international debate and scrutiny in the coming years.