People rally to protest against the Japanese government's decision to discharge contaminated radioactive wastewater in Fukushima Prefecture into the sea, in Tokyo, capital of Japan, April 13, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

As the international community observes Earth Day on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged Japan to shoulder its responsibility, as its decision to dump nuclear-contaminated wastewater is a matter that concerns the public health of all countries.

"The dumping of Fukushima radioactive wastewater concerns global ecological environment security and the public health of all nations; it is not a private issue for Japan, but a matter that could cause major environmental damage," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Thursday's press briefing.

It should not be a decision unilaterally made by Japan or a "black box" operation. It is a matter that should see wide participation by the neighboring countries of Japan and be scientifically evaluated by relevant international organizations, Wang stressed.

Humankind only has one Earth, and every country has a responsibility to protect the homeland we live in, he said, urging Japan to shoulder its obligation and protect the Earth through action.

China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday also urged Japan to reconsider all schemes and cautiously deal with the nuclear-contaminated water after full consultation with all stakeholders and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Wang made the remarks in a video conference with Germany's foreign minister on Wednesday.

Global Times