In response to the South Korean ambassador to ASEAN’s recent statement that South Korea is “deeply worried” about Japan’s nuclear-contaminated water discharge plan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed at a regular press conference on June 11 that he fully understood South Korea’s position.
He specified the main concerns of the international community in detail, and emphasized that Japan should not hide from its ears and drain the nuclear contaminated water.
A reporter asked a question. According to Yonhap News Agency’s report on June 7, when South Korea’s ambassador to ASEAN, Lin Shengnan, attended the East Asia Summit (EAS) ambassador-level meeting online, he expressed concern about the Japanese government’s decision to discharge Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.
Lin Shengnan pointed out the problems of transparency, negotiation, and verification of Japan's nuclear-contaminated water discharge plan, and emphasized that Japan's move may have adverse effects on human security and the marine environment. The South Korean side is deeply concerned about this.
What is China's comment?
"I have taken note of relevant reports and fully understand South Korea's position." Wang Wenbin responded that in addition to South Korea, many Pacific Rim countries, including China, also oppose Japan's decision to discharge nuclear-polluted water into the ocean.
Wang Wenbin stated that the Japanese government, regardless of domestic and foreign questions and objections, has not exhausted security measures, has not fully disclosed relevant information, has not fully negotiated with stakeholders such as neighboring countries, and has not come up with supervisable and verification arrangements. The decision to dispose of the water polluted by the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by way of drainage is extremely irresponsible.
He pointed out that the main concerns of the international community are that, first, Japan has not fully consulted with neighboring countries and other stakeholders, and has not seriously responded to the legitimate concerns of all parties so far.
Second, the Japanese side only decided to discharge to the sea based on economic costs, and did not consider the impact on the marine ecological environment, food safety and human health.
The third is that Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Co., Ltd. has repeatedly tampered with data and concealed data in its handling of the Fukushima nuclear accident.
Recently, the Japanese media has repeatedly exposed news of radioactive leaks in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which has to worry the international community.
Fourth, the Japanese side claims that the processed nuclear-contaminated water is safe and harmless, but it lacks verifiable arrangements.
Many Chinese people are asking, if nuclear-polluted water is really harmless, why not discharge it to Japanese lakes or use it for other civilian purposes, but choose to discharge it to the sea?
These issues and concerns require a positive response from the Japanese side.
Wang Wenbin emphasized that the disposal of polluted water from the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan must be handled with care and should not be lost.
Japan can't hide its ears and steal the bell, and drain the nuclear contaminated water.
China once again strongly urges Japan to re-examine this issue and revoke the wrong decision.
Before reaching a consensus with various stakeholders, including neighboring countries, and relevant international institutions, the discharge of the sea shall not be initiated without authorization.
(Producing Le Xiaomin)
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】