China summoned the Japanese ambassador to China on the 22nd to protest the Japanese government's decision to begin releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean starting on the 24th.
An employee of Tokyo Electric Power Company explained to reporters about the radioactive contaminated water discharge facility at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 26th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong called in Japanese Ambassador to China Darumi Hideo on the same day to strongly express China's protest.
Vice Minister Sun criticized Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water, saying, "It openly shifts the risk of nuclear contamination onto neighboring countries including China and the international community, prioritizing its own selfish interests over the welfare of people in the region and around the world. This is extremely selfish and irresponsible." He added, "China expresses grave concern and strong opposition."
He further emphasized, "We urge Japan to withdraw its wrong decision, halt the plan to forcibly discharge nuclear contaminated water, communicate sincerely with neighboring countries, and handle the matter responsibly to prevent unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment."
Vice Minister Sun also stated, "If Japan acts unilaterally without listening to others' opinions, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and public health."
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company, the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant, as of the end of June this year, the total volume of contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant reached 1.34 million tons. The ocean discharge is expected to continue for about 30 years from the start date.
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