The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CMFA) has expressed its strong opposition to Japan's plan to release radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The ministry criticized Japan for disregarding the concerns and opposition from the international community and accused it of treating the ocean as a "sewer." The ministry raised questions about the effectiveness of Japan's purification facility, the long-term impact on the marine environment, food safety, and people's health, and called for a science-based, safe, and transparent disposal of the contaminated water. South Korea, a neighboring country, accepted the approval of the release by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but a Gallup poll showed that nearly 80% of South Koreans are worried about possible contamination and have started stockpiling seafood and salt. Protests have also been held in South Korea and China, although experts argue that the planned release poses minimal risks compared to previous wastewater discharges from other nuclear facilities. Some experts suggest exploring alternative disposal methods rather than relying on dilution in the ocean.
Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:40:29 GMT | Common Dreams