China asks Japan to dispose of nuclear wastewater in 'scientific, safe manner'

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday asked Japan to dispose of its nuclear wastewater in a “scientific, transparent and safe manner.”

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a news conference in Beijing that Tokyo “must not initiate the dumping project until all parties involved, including its neighbors, have reached full agreement.”

“Disregarding criticisms from the international community and the interests of involved parties, Japan acted arbitrarily to dump Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea, which is extremely irresponsible,” Mao said.

Tokyo has said it will begin releasing treated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant this spring or summer.

Japan unveiled the plan in April 2021, triggering massive criticism from China, South Korea, North Korea, the island nation of Taiwan, and international organizations, including the UN.

The US, however, has backed the proposal, which came after years of talks about how to get rid of more than a million tons of water that has accumulated at the Fukushima nuclear complex since its meltdown after a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

Japan has pledged $600 million in funds for local fishing communities that have also voiced opposition to the move.

China also called on the EU to revoke the “unilateral sanctions” imposed on individuals and entities related to its Xinjiang province, which is home to the Uyghur ethnic population.

“Based on lies and disinformation, the EU in 2021 made the wrong decision to impose unilateral sanctions on China's individuals and entities related to its Xinjiang region, which flagrantly violate international law and hurt China-EU relations,” the spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry said.

“China has repeatedly urged the EU to correct its mistake and revoke unilateral sanctions. The development of human rights in Xinjiang region is widely recognized,” Mao was quoted as saying by the Global Times.