"China Demands Compensation System to Address Damage from Fukushima Contaminated Water in Japan"

Demand for Establishment of Compensation System Through Diplomatic Channels
Japan "No Safety Issues... Request Rejected"

China has reportedly demanded that Japan establish a compensation system in preparation for economic damages that may occur due to the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to by the Japanese government as "treated water") into the ocean.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major Japanese media on the 12th, China has set the "three major mechanisms" for addressing the issue of Fukushima contaminated water between the two countries as dialogue, the establishment of an independent monitoring system, and a compensation system, and it is reported that China conveyed the demand for the creation of a compensation system several times through diplomatic channels last year.

However, the Japanese side rejected the demand, stating that there are no safety issues related to the ocean discharge. Although the governments of both countries continue consultations between their diplomatic authorities, China does not appear to show any signs of withdrawing its demand. Accordingly, it is expected that China’s ban on imports of Japanese seafood will not be lifted for the time being.

Currently, China argues that for monitoring the ocean discharge, a long-term effective international monitoring system is necessary rather than surveillance through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

China has imposed a complete ban on imports of Japanese seafood since August last year, when Japan began discharging Fukushima contaminated water into the ocean. In this regard, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded the lifting of restrictions on Japanese seafood imports during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November last year, urging a response based on scientific evidence.

However, President Xi expressed a clear difference in opinion, stating, "Japan must seriously consider the reasonable concerns both domestically and internationally and handle the matter appropriately with a responsible and constructive attitude." It was agreed to seek an appropriate resolution to the Fukushima contaminated water issue through future consultations and negotiations.