Japan Claims "IAEA Also Gives Positive Evaluation on Nuclear Wastewater Ocean Discharge"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] Regarding the plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, the Japanese government, criticized by South Korea at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, claimed that "the IAEA also positively evaluates Japan's plan." Earlier, on the 21st (local time), the South Korean government expressed concerns about the ocean discharge of contaminated water at the 65th IAEA General Conference held in Vienna, Austria, and urged reconsideration of the decision.

Katsunobu Kato, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, stated at a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Office on the 22nd, "Takehi Hikihara, Ambassador of the Japanese Mission to Vienna, Austria, rebutted by exercising the right of reply at the meeting."

Ambassador Hikihara reportedly stated that Japan prioritizes nuclear safety above all and will not approve the discharge of water that does not meet regulatory standards. He also claimed that the IAEA evaluates that ocean discharge is technically feasible and conforms to international practices.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato added, "The Japanese government intends to continue providing polite explanations based on scientific evidence regarding the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the review status of contaminated water treatment."

Yong Hong-taek, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea, criticized Japan for unilaterally deciding on the ocean discharge of nuclear power plant contaminated water without sufficient consultation with South Korea, the closest neighboring country, and urged the IAEA to play an active role in this matter during his video speech at the IAEA General Conference.

Meanwhile, regarding the United States' announcement to lift import restrictions on Japanese food products imposed after the Fukushima nuclear accident, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed his welcome on Twitter, saying, "It is something that people in the affected areas have been eagerly waiting for and will greatly help future reconstruction." He also introduced that he personally requested early removal of import restrictions from U.S. President Joe Biden during his visit to the United States in April this year.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato stated at the press conference that there are 14 countries and regions worldwide, including South Korea and China, that maintain import restrictions on Japanese food products citing the impact of the nuclear accident.