China News Agency, Beijing, May 17 (Huang Yuqin and Xing Chong) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on the 17th that Japan’s nuclear contaminated water was discharged into the sea, saying that what the Japanese side gets is only its own self-interest, which is left to the international community. Society and future generations will have endless troubles.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zhao Lijian
A reporter asked questions. According to reports, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of South Korea sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) a few days ago, stating that Japan unilaterally decided to discharge Fukushima nuclear contaminated water into the sea without consulting with South Korea, which may be safe for neighboring countries. And the ocean cause great harm.
South Korea called on IMO to consider cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency, uphold the "London Dumping Convention" and its protocol, and treat Japan's nuclear-contaminated water in a manner acceptable to the international community.
Does China have any comment?
"We have taken note of relevant reports and expressed our understanding and support for South Korea's actions." Zhao Lijian said.
He pointed out that more than a month has passed since Japan unilaterally announced the wrong decision, and it has encountered strong concerns and unanimous opposition from the international community, including China and South Korea and other neighboring countries, as well as within Japan.
Regrettably, the Japanese government has played deaf and turned a deaf ear to the protests from many governments, international organizations, environmental groups, and people from all over the world, and has not responded positively to the serious concerns of the international community.
Zhao Lijian emphasized that Japan's elimination of nuclear contaminated water will endanger the safety of the global marine ecological environment and endanger the lives and health of people in all countries.
Japan’s relevant decisions are not transparent, accountable, and irresponsible.
What Japan gets is its own self-interest, and what it will leave to the international community and future generations will be endless troubles.
The Japanese government should face up to its own responsibilities and must not discharge nuclear-polluted water into the ocean without authorization until it reaches a consensus with stakeholders and international institutions.
(Finish)