Regarding the disposal method of treated water containing radioactive substances such as tritium, which is increasing at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the government has decided to dilute it to a concentration below the national standard and then release it into the sea.
We are urging TEPCO to make preparations so that it can be released into the sea two years from now, and to take thorough measures against reputational damage, including compensation.
This is an overseas reaction to this decision.
South Korea "The decision is absolutely unacceptable"
On the morning of the 13th, the Korean government held an urgent meeting with related ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Nuclear Safety Commission.
After the meeting, Mr. Ku Yun-chul, Director of State Coordination Office, said, "I would like to express my strong regret and take all necessary measures based on the principle of giving top priority to the safety of the Korean people." I did.
He then rebelled, saying, "I will convey to the Japanese government the opposition to the concerns of the Korean people today. The Japanese government's decision will never be accepted."
In addition,
▽ ban on imports of marine products from eight prefectures such as Fukushima will be further
enforced,
and
▽ IAEA = International Atomic Energy Agency
will be
requested to verify.
After the meeting, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Japanese Ambassador Aiboshi to protest.
In response, Ambassador Aiboshi said that the Japanese government's decision had been communicated to the South Korean government in advance, and that "we will take responsibility for not affecting the environment of neighboring countries including South Korea." Was released to the Korean media.
Meanwhile, near the Japanese embassy in Seoul, a civic group held a protest rally around 11:00 am.
Participants put up a placard stating "against the release" and said, "We cannot suppress the anger of the Japanese government, which is forcing the release at its own discretion despite the opposition in neighboring countries." I was asking for the withdrawal of the decision.
Taiwan "Very important" "Sorry"
A spokesman for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Oe An, said at a press conference on the 13th, "It is about the marine environment and ecosystem, and the health and safety of Taiwanese people, and we attach great importance to it." a year later he mentioned the fact that release into the sea begins to prospect and "continue to tell our strong interest in the meantime the Japanese side".
The Atomic Energy Commission of Taiwan also made a comment, stating that it had informed the Japanese side of its position against the release into the sea, and expressed regret for the decision of the Japanese government.
The letter said, "If the Government of Japan decides to release it into the sea without regard to the opposition of its neighbors, it asks us to measure the impact on the seawater and marine life of the high seas around Taiwan and provide us with the results promptly." ..
China "expresses serious concern"
Regarding the decision of the Japanese government, spokesman Zhao Lijian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said at a press conference on the 13th, "I express serious concern as a neighboring country of Japan and as an interested party. Instead, he made a one-sided decision without sufficient consultation with neighboring countries and the international community. This method is extremely irresponsible. "
On top of that, "The sea is a common property of all humankind and is not a problem only in Japan. We clearly recognize our responsibility on the Japanese side and respond appropriately to the serious concerns of the international community, neighboring countries and our own people. It must not be released into the sea without permission before reaching an agreement in consultation with interested countries and the IAEA = International Nuclear Organization. "
US "Thanks for Japan's efforts to maintain transparency"
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Twitter on the 12th, "I am grateful that Japan is making efforts to maintain transparency in the decision on the disposal of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The Japanese government is IAEA = International Nuclear Power. I look forward to continuing to work with the institution. "
In addition, State Department spokesman Price released a statement on the 12th, saying, "Japan seems to have adopted a method that meets internationally accepted nuclear safety standards."
IAEA "It is done on a daily basis all over the world"
IAEA = Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Secretary-General Grossi said, "Controlled emissions to the sea are at nuclear power plants operating around the world, under strict regulatory controls based on strict safety and environmental standards. It is done on a daily basis in Japan. "
In a video message released on the 13th, Secretary-General Grossi said, "We welcome this important announcement. It is an important milestone that paves the way for further decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of TEPCO." , Showed supportive ideas.
He added, "The method chosen by the Government of Japan is technically feasible and in line with international practice. Controlled release into the sea is strict at nuclear power plants operating around the world. It is carried out on a daily basis under strict regulatory control based on safe and environmental standards. "
"The IAEA is ready to provide technical assistance to consider safe and transparent implementation at the request of Japan. With Japan before, during and after the release. We will send a research team to Japan to study safety in close cooperation and support environmental monitoring activities. Our cooperation and existence will result in the treatment of water without adversely affecting human health and the environment. It will help build trust, "he said, and expressed his intention to work together to dispel anxiety.