China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, expressed strong concerns on Wednesday over Japan’s decision to begin dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea. Wang emphasized that China does not want August 24, 2023, to become a catastrophic day for the marine environment. The decision has triggered outrage and discussions on Chinese social media platforms.
A research study conducted by a team from Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, published in November 2021, projected that nuclear pollutants from the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater dumping program would reach the coastal waters of China in 240 days. This prediction has heightened concerns among the public about marine biosafety.
The Japanese Embassy in China cited an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report claiming negligible radiological impact, but the move was met with backlash and skepticism from Chinese netizens.
Wang warned Japan about bearing historical responsibility if it persists in dumping the contaminated water. He criticized Japan’s plan to start dumping on Thursday as a gamble with the global marine environment and human health. He urged Japan to immediately stop the arbitrary dumping plan and engage in open discussions for safe disposal options.
The decision’s implications extend beyond China. South Korea has witnessed a surge in salt prices, with residents stockpiling salt due to anxieties about contamination. The Korea Federation of Environmental Movement expressed concerns about the negative impact on South Korean fishermen’s livelihoods and the seafood business. Opposition figures in South Korea criticized Japan’s decision, with Lee Jae-myung referring to it as an “act of terror.”
Experts noted that Japan’s dumping decision could damage its national image and economic interests. The move contradicts Japan’s history as a victim of nuclear attacks and poses challenges in adhering to international standards for wastewater disposal. The decision has also strained relations between China and Japan and is predicted to affect Chinese favorability towards Japan.