China Bans Imports After Japan Dumps Nuclear-Contaminated Water
In an immediate response to Japan’s controversial decision to release nuclear-contaminated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean, China has banned imports of all aquatic products from Japan. Commencing on Thursday, the same day as Japan’s action, this decision has been framed by many as a reaction to a move that will be “nailed to history’s mast of shame,” as it’s been criticized by stakeholders and the public worldwide.
Around 540 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water is projected to be dumped, marking a significant step for Japan in decommissioning the Fukushima site. This site became notoriously dangerous 12 years prior after one of the globe’s most catastrophic nuclear accidents.
Despite the dumping being irreversible and despite the seeming silence from a majority of Western countries, numerous groups in Japan and around the world, including fishermen and environmental activists, have voiced their vehement opposition. Some critics are even calling for the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
China’s condemnation of the act was swift and strong. The Chinese Foreign Ministry directly addressed the Japanese government’s decision, urging Japan to halt its actions. Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated, “The Chinese government prioritizes the well-being of its people. We will employ necessary measures to ensure food safety and protect public health.”
The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) criticized Japan for using the IAEA report from July, which has been contested in its credibility, to justify their actions. The CAEA stated that Japan’s decision not only compromises the credibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but also endangers the health of neighboring countries’ residents, the marine environment, and the future of the global nuclear energy industry.
To prevent contaminated Japanese products from entering China, the country’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) has tightened its supervision on Japanese food imports. Furthermore, the National Nuclear Safety Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced initiatives to monitor marine radiation and the nuclear pollution risks of aquatic products.
Ma Jun, a prominent environmental director based in Beijing, highlighted the need for robust nuclear radiation monitoring across Chinese cities and even proposed the establishment of distant-water monitoring stations. Meanwhile, Zhao Shunping, an expert from the Radiation Environment Monitoring Technology Center, emphasized the importance of monitoring radioactivity in seawater, sediment, and marine life.
Global Reaction to Japan’s Decision
South Korea, another neighboring country, witnessed a domestic political turmoil as a result of the dumping. Critics accused the conservative government of compromising public health in favor of strengthening ties with Japan. Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in expressed his opposition to Japan’s decision on Twitter, criticizing the Korean government’s stance. Amidst this, the governing party in South Korea accused its opposition of inciting unwarranted fears for political advantage. Tensions escalated when 16 student activists were detained for attempting to protest at the Japanese Embassy.
Meanwhile, Pacific nations showed a divided stance on the Fukushima water release. The Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown remarked that despite the UN’s approval of Japan’s plan, the Pacific region might not have a unanimous view on the matter. The US has seemingly supported Japan’s decision, a stance that Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed. However, many US allies have remained conspicuously silent on the issue.
Chinese analysts opined that the US’s support for Japan might be part of a larger political agenda to secure Japan’s strategic adherence, suggesting that it reflects the double standards and hypocrisy of the US and its allies.
Persistent Opposition
A study by Hainan University’s Belt and Road Research Institute found minimal global support for Japan’s decision. Data suggests only 7% of the international community backs the move, with even a significant portion of Japanese citizens opposing it. In the US, a meager 2% of the public appears to be in favor.
Fukushima residents, including those from Miyagi and Ibaraki, plan to file a lawsuit against the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to halt the dumping. Activist Chiyo Oda expressed hope for a court intervention and vowed continued opposition. Protests have been organized across Japan, with some leaders condemning the government for disregarding public sentiment.
In Hong Kong, protestors labeled Japan a “global enemy” and demanded Prime Minister Kishida’s resignation, accusing him of disregarding international outcry.
While Prime Minister Kishida once prided himself on listening to the public, recent events in Fukushima suggest a contrasting narrative, raising questions about the disconnect between political promises and reality.
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