Vienna, October 30 – China’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Li Song, has reiterated China’s firm opposition to Japan’s ongoing discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. Speaking at an IAEA board of governors meeting on Monday, Li called for strengthened international supervision over the release.
Since August, Japan has discharged over 23,000 tonnes of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean, disregarding opposition from local fishermen, residents, and the international community. The fourth phase of the release commenced last week, sparking renewed concerns.
“Japan’s unilateral action imposes the risk of nuclear contamination on the world,” Li stated. “Its spillover effects extend far beyond Japan’s territory and jurisdiction; this is by no means Japan’s private matter.”
Li emphasized that the discharge has severely impacted the international nuclear safety system and undermined the credibility of the IAEA, as Japan seeks endorsement for its plan. He urged Japan to halt the release and fully cooperate in establishing long-term, independent, and effective international monitoring arrangements involving neighboring countries and other stakeholders.
China has actively participated in the IAEA’s monitoring efforts in Fukushima and maintained communication with Japan. Li highlighted that China’s scientific and responsible approach has raised legitimate concerns about the legitimacy and safety of the discharge, potential bio-concentration hazards, the reliability of Japan’s purification equipment, and the effectiveness of current monitoring arrangements.
“Recent developments, including safety concerns arising from earthquakes and leaks from purification equipment at the Fukushima plant, confirm the international community’s worries,” Li noted. “They demonstrate the necessity of strengthening international supervision and monitoring.”
He called on Japan to take seriously the concerns from both domestic and international fronts, properly dispose of the wastewater, and prevent harm to the global marine environment and human health. “Wastewater discharge is not only a scientific issue but also a matter of attitude,” Li remarked.
Concluding his address, Li expressed China’s readiness to enhance communication and cooperation with all parties. “We aim to restore clean and safe oceans for people around the world,” he said.
Reference(s):
China urges intl supervision of Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge
cgtn.com
