A Chinese official has said that the UN nuclear watchdog and others who claim Japan's wastewater is safe should drink it.
Beijing has responded to the UN nuclear watchdog's opposition to Japan's plan to dump contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, saying that those who believe the water is safe should drink it and swim in it.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin addressed the issue at a press briefing on Tuesday, when he was asked about recent statements by the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi advocating for the safety of Fukushima's wastewater. He criticized Grossi's claims that the water was even safe for drinking or swimming.
If some people think that the nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima is safe to drink or swim in, we suggest that Japan save the nuclear-contaminated water for these people to drink or swim in instead of releasing it into the sea and causing widespread concerns globally, Wang said.
The IAEA approved Tokyo's plan to release Fukushima wastewater into the ocean last week, more than a decade after a earthquake-triggered tsunami flooded the plant and caused three reactors to melt down. The plant produces about 100 cubic meters of wastewater per day, and its storage reservoirs are running out of space. Japan has insisted that the water meets international safety standards after being treated to remove most of its radioactive elements.
The IAEA's review of the discharge plan was too narrowly focused and reached a conclusions that failed to address international safety concerns, Wang said. The IAEA didn t evaluate the efficacy and long-term reliability of Japan's treatment facilities and therefore cannot guarantee that all nuclear-contaminated water will be up to standard after treatment in the next 30 years, he said. The IAEA cannot easily determine the impact of long-running discharge on the marine environment and food safety. The Chinese spokesman further argued that the IAEA's assessment should not be the final word on the matter. Japan can t just use the IAEA report as a greenlight for the ocean discharge, Wang said.
South Korean demonstrators protested the intelligence agency's finding when Grossi visited Seoul on Sunday. The leader of South Korean opposition party, Woo Woo Won-shik, accused the nuclear watchdog of being biased in favor of Japan from the beginning. The agency did not properly investigate the impact of the wastewater discharges on neighboring nations, he said.
6 Comments
Muchacha
The Chinese official's argument highlights the seriousness of the issue and the concerns raised by neighboring countries. It emphasizes the need for transparent communication and an assessment that takes into account all potential risks.
AZUuuuu
The release of wastewater into the ocean is a controlled and monitored process. Extensive measures will be put in place to minimize any potential impact on marine life and the environment.
AZUK00
The long-term environmental impact of releasing large quantities of treated wastewater into the ocean is unknown. It is essential to exercise caution and prioritize the protection of the marine environment and ecosystems in the decision-making process.
Habibi
Releasing the water into the Pacific Ocean is not without precedent. Many other countries, including the United States and France, have safely released treated wastewater from their nuclear plants into the ocean without causing harm to the environment or public health.
ZmeeLove
The focus should be on finding long-term solutions and preventing future nuclear accidents, rather than dwelling on past disasters. Continued cooperation and dialogue between countries in the region is crucial for addressing common nuclear safety concerns.
BuggaBoom
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a mandate to promote safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Their assessment should be trusted as they are experts in the field and have conducted thorough evaluations before reaching their conclusion.