On August 24, in disregard of the strong criticism and opposition from the international community, the Japanese government unilaterally started the release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. This is extremely selfish and irresponsible, as the discharge will spread the risks of nuclear contamination to Pacific Rim Countries including China, and the rest of the world. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. 

The disposal of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is a major issue about nuclear safety. Its impact goes beyond Japan’s borders, and the issue is by no means a private matter for Japan. So far, the Japanese government has given scarce response to international concerns. It failed to prove the legitimacy and legality of the ocean discharge decision, the long-term reliability of the purification facility, and the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data. It failed to prove that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless to the marine environment and people’s health, and that the monitoring plan is sound and effective. Japan also failed to have thorough consultations with other stakeholders. Instead, Japan has been trying to create an impression that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless. It has even made unfounded accusations against neighboring countries who have expressed legitimate concerns. All of this has caused outrage among people in neighboring countries and in Japan.

The ocean sustains humanity. The Blue Pacific is home to all human beings including Chinese and Fijian people, and is the foundation that Pacific Island Countries survive on. It is not a sewer for Japan’s nuclear-contaminated water. The tragedy of marine nuclear contamination can not and should not be repeated. China strongly urges Japan to stop its wrongdoing, cancel the ocean discharge plan, communicate with all stakeholders with sincerity and good will, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight. 

In order to fully prevent the radioactive contamination risk to food safety caused by the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, and protect the health of Chinese people, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China has decided to suspend the import of aquatic products from Japan starting from August 24,2023.