Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Japanese government’s decision to use marine emissions
Remarks on Disposal of Nuclear Wastewater from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident
On April 13, the Japanese government decided to dispose of nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by means of marine discharge.
As a close neighbor and stakeholder of Japan, China expresses serious concerns about this.
The Fukushima nuclear accident is one of the most serious nuclear accidents in the world so far. It caused a large amount of radioactive material leakage and had a profound impact on the marine environment, food safety and human health.
The IAEA expert team’s assessment report clearly pointed out that if the tritium-containing wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant is discharged into the ocean, it will have an impact on the marine environment and public health of neighboring countries. At the same time, the existing treated wastewater still contains other radionuclides, and further measures are needed. Purification treatment.
The report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Energy also believes that the impact of nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident on the marine ecological environment needs to be continuously followed up and observed.
The German Marine Science Institute pointed out that the coast of Fukushima has the strongest ocean currents in the world. Within 57 days from the date of discharge, radioactive materials will spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, and in 10 years will spread to the world's waters.
Greenpeace nuclear experts pointed out that the carbon 14 contained in Japanese nuclear wastewater is dangerous for thousands of years and may cause genetic damage.
Japan has not exhausted safe disposal methods, regardless of domestic and foreign questions and opposition, and without full consultation with neighboring countries and the international community, unilaterally decided to dispose of nuclear waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by way of drainage. Being responsible will seriously damage international public health and safety and the vital interests of people in neighboring countries.
The ocean is the common property of mankind.
The disposal of nuclear waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident is not just a domestic issue.
We strongly urge the Japanese side to recognize its own responsibilities, uphold a scientific attitude, fulfill its international obligations, and respond to the serious concerns of the international community, neighboring countries and its citizens.
Re-examine the issue of nuclear waste water disposal at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, and must not initiate the discharge of the sea without authorization until full consultation and agreement with various interested countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been reached.
China will continue to work closely with the international community to monitor developments and reserve the right to make further responses.