Photo: VCG

Xi'an police in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Monday denied online rumors claiming that residents who drive Japanese-made cars have been stopped and their cars smashed, following Japan's irresponsible approach to dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater in the ocean.

Online rumors claimed that a resident was stopped and threatened by others, before his Japanese-made car was deliberately damaged. "No related cases have occurred in Xi'an recently following investigation," Xi'an police wrote via its official Weibo account on Monday. 

The image of a damaged vehicle circulating online was from a criminal case that occurred in 2021, said Xi'an police.

The police warned netizens strictly abide by the relevant laws and regulations, and be thoughtful with both words and deeds online, also calling on residents not to believe online rumors and to maintain a healthy online environment. 

Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition both at home and abroad.