Beijing-Sana
China today expressed its deep concern over Japan's decision to begin releasing massive quantities of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant to the Pacific Ocean.
"The Fukushima nuclear accident, which occurred in March of 2011, constituted one of the most dangerous accidents in the history of the world, as the leakage of large quantities of radioactive materials had far-reaching effects on the marine environment, food safety and health," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in statements published on the ministry’s website The human".
He added that a review report prepared by a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded that if the wastewater containing tritium from the Fukushima plant is discharged into the water, it will have harmful effects on the marine environment and the health of the population in neighboring countries, stressing that the treated water needs further purification. To remove other radionuclides (atoms).
The Chinese official pointed out that despite concerns and opposition from inside and outside Japan, Tokyo decided unilaterally to release radioactive water from Fukushima before exhausting all safe ways to dispose of it and without full consultation with neighboring countries and the international community, warning that this is an absolutely irresponsible act.
He added that the oceans are the common property of mankind, and how to treat wastewater from the Fukushima plant is not just a domestic issue for Japan. Therefore, we strongly urge the Japanese side to shoulder its responsibility, follow science, fulfill its international obligations and duly respond to the serious concerns of the international community, neighboring countries and their peoples.
The Japanese government decided earlier in the day to start releasing huge quantities of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, which was damaged, to the Pacific Ocean within two years, amid strong opposition from local fishermen and residents for its dangerous effects on the environment and health.
