China "Supports Korea on Japan Nuclear Wastewater Issue"

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] China has expressed support for South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' request for cooperation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.

On the 17th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries had sent a letter to the IMO requesting a review of cooperation measures with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Spokesperson Zhao said, "It has been over a month since Japan unilaterally announced a wrong decision," adding, "Despite strong opposition from the international community including South Korea and China, as well as within Japan itself, the Japanese government is ignoring these concerns."

He continued, "Japan is threatening the global marine ecosystem and the lives of people worldwide with contaminated water," and criticized, "The only benefit the Japanese government gains from this irresponsible and opaque decision is its own national interest."

He emphasized, "The Japanese government must face its responsibilities," and stated, "Contaminated water should not be discharged until negotiations with relevant countries and international organizations are completed."

Earlier, on the 14th, Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, sent a letter to the IMO requesting a review of cooperation measures with the IAEA regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.