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China and Japan reached a four-point agreement on the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water, in which both sides agreed on Japan establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders including China to conduct independent sampling and monitoring.

China's firm opposition to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater has not changed and the agreement would allow China to promptly access comprehensive and accurate data, enabling timely action to prevent any discharges that do not meet safety standards, analysts said.

According to the agreement, Japan explicitly commits to fulfilling its obligations under international law, doing its utmost to avoid leaving negative impact on human health and the environment, and conducting continuous evaluations of the impact on the marine environment and marine ecosystems.

Given the concerns of China and all other stakeholders, Japan welcomes the establishment of a long-term international monitoring arrangement within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) framework covering key stages in the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water, ensuring that China and all other stakeholders can carry out independent sampling and monitoring as well as inter-laboratory comparisons (ILCs), according to the agreement.

The agreement also noted that after China participates substantively in the long-term international monitoring within the IAEA framework and the independent sampling and other monitoring activities by participating countries are carried out, China will begin adjusting relevant measures and gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet regulatory standards.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on Friday that on August 24, 2023, the Japanese government unilaterally began discharging nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima plant, ignoring international questioning and opposition. As one of the most important stakeholders, China has consistently opposed this irresponsible move.

In line with the spirit of the discussions between the leaders of both countries regarding resolving the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water issue through consultation and negotiation, China held over ten rounds of intensive talks with Japan and relevant international organizations, leading to today's announced agreement after tireless efforts, Mao noted.

China firmly opposes Japan's unilateral initiation of the discharge, and this position has not changed, Mao said, noting that the agreement reached by China and Japan is intended to urge Japan to effectively fulfill its obligations under international law and its responsibilities for safety oversight. China hopes the international community, especially key stakeholders, will work together to closely monitor Japan's adherence to its commitments.

Reaching an agreement does not mean that China will immediately resume the import of Japanese aquatic products, Mao said.

"We will engage in technical consultations with Japan and gradually restore the import of compliant Japanese aquatic products on the premise that they fully meet China's requirements. The outcomes of these consultations and any policy adjustments will be promptly made public," Mao said.

Global Times