China News Service, Beijing, April 13 (Reporter Xing Chong Zhang Su) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian hosted a regular press conference on the 13th.
A reporter asked: On April 13 last year, the Japanese government decided to discharge over one million tons of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea after filtering and diluting it.
We have noticed that a few days ago, the Japanese people once again spontaneously organized a rally to oppose the decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.
However, one year later, the Japanese government has not rescinded the decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, nor has it given the international community a satisfactory answer.
What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: China has repeatedly stated its position on this issue.
We express our serious concern and firm opposition to the Japanese government's unilateral decision to discharge water contaminated by the Fukushima nuclear accident into the ocean.
The potential harm to the marine ecological environment, food safety and human health caused by nuclear-polluted water discharged into the sea cannot be ignored.
Since the Japanese government made the decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea a year ago, doubts and opposition from the countries around the Pacific and the Japanese people have not stopped.
China, South Korea, Russia and some Pacific island countries have all expressed concern over Japan's decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.
About 180,000 people from a number of non-governmental organizations in Japan have signed a joint statement to oppose the discharge of nuclear-polluted water into the sea.
However, the Japanese government has turned a deaf ear to international concerns and domestic public opinion, and has yet to provide a convincing explanation for issues such as the legitimacy of the sea discharge plan, the reliability of nuclear-contaminated water data, the effectiveness of purification devices, and the uncertainty of environmental impact.
Recently, the IAEA technical working group went to Japan twice to conduct on-site investigations. The investigation and evaluation work has not yet been completed, but the Japanese side continued to advance preparations for the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, which is extremely irresponsible.
What I want to stress is that what the Japanese side should do now is not to try to find excuses to justify the wrong decision to discharge nuclear-polluted water into the sea, but to face up to the legitimate concerns of the international community, earnestly fulfill its due responsibilities and obligations, and act in an open and transparent manner. , Dispose of nuclear polluted water in a scientific and safe way.
We urge the Japanese side to take a responsible attitude and fully consult with stakeholders including neighboring countries and relevant international institutions to find a proper solution.
Before that, Japan is not allowed to initiate the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea without authorization.
(Finish)