People rally in front of the headquarters of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to protest against the Japanese government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea in Tokyo, Japan, May 16, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Tuesday summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi to lodge solemn representations over Tokyo's announcement that it would start discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant from August 24.

Sun pointed out that such an act blatantly transfers the risk of nuclear pollution to neighboring countries, including China and the international community, and puts Japan's own interests above the long-term well-being of people in the region and around the world. It is extremely selfish and irresponsible, and China expresses grave concern and strong opposition, he said.

China calls for Japan's sincere communication with neighboring countries and responsible disposal to avoid unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment, Sun noted. If Japan persists in its unilateral action, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and public health.

The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan also stated on Tuesday that Japan's insistence on dumping the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is extremely selfish and transfers the risk of nuclear pollution to the rest of the world. The legitimacy and safety of discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the sea in Fukushima has been widely questioned by the international community, and there are also numerous voices of opposition within Japan. China solemnly urges the Japanese side to immediately cancel its erroneous decision, stop the dumping plan, and avoid irreversible consequences, the spokesperson said.

Global Times