Pacific Island Nations Debate Over Fukushima Contaminated Water Discharge

"Trust in IAEA Advice" vs "Need to Consider Other Options"

The positions of Pacific island countries are divided over Japan's plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean.

On the 25th (local time), protesters opposing the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, Japan, marched on the streets of Suva, the capital of the Pacific island nation of Fiji. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign media including dpa news agency on the 25th (local time), Palau, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia have publicly supported Japan regarding the contaminated water discharge. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supported the comprehensive report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating, "Linking scientifically controlled discharge to nuclear weapons tested in the Pacific is fearmongering." New Zealand also expressed trust in the IAEA's advice last month.

On the other hand, among the Pacific island countries, Vanuatu and Tuvalu oppose Japan's plan to discharge contaminated water into the ocean. Vanuatu Foreign Minister Matai Seremaia said strong measures are needed regarding Japan's decision and stated, "Other options must be seriously considered."

In this situation, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which initially expressed concerns about the contaminated water discharge, has not issued an official stance. Henry Puna, Secretary-General of the PIF, said the discharge is the region's "top priority issue" and will be discussed at the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting next month or the leaders' summit in November. He added, "There continue to be diverse views and responses among member countries on this issue," and "This continues to inspire our firm determination to resolve this unprecedented problem."

Meanwhile, protests against the discharge by environmental groups continue in governments supporting Japan, such as Fiji and New Zealand. On this day as well, protests against the contaminated water discharge were held in front of the Japanese consulate in Suva, Fiji's capital, the Japanese consulate in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Japanese embassy in Wellington.