China detects no irregularities in nuclear-treated water from Fukushima

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – China said Monday that it had detected no abnormalities in seawater and marine life samples following the release of treated radioactive water from Japan's damaged Fukushima power plant, according to the Kyodo News agency.

The announcement follows independent sampling done by Chinese authorities in late February under the International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring framework.

The China Atomic Energy Authority said its analysis showed that tritium, cesium-134, cesium-137, and strontium-90 levels were within internationally accepted safety limits.

This was China’s second round of testing, following an initial assessment of data gathered last October.

China implemented a complete ban on Japanese seafood imports just after the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant began in August 2023.

Last September, Tokyo and Beijing reached an agreement to gradually resume seafood imports from Japan, contingent on China’s participation in monitoring efforts.

The Chinese nuclear authority stated that Japan has reiterated its commitment to accepting long-term international monitoring and Beijing's independent sampling.

In 2011, an earthquake and tsunami triggered a meltdown of three reactors at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant. In 2016, the country's Trade Ministry estimated that it would cost $180 billion to clean up radioactive contamination and compensate victims of the disaster.