Tokyo, 20 May 2024, (GNP): Japan has released the sixth batch of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, despite strong opposition from China and Russia.
The operator of the plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc, said some 7,800 tonnes of water will be released by June 4, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported. This move is part of an ongoing process to manage the accumulated water at the site, which has been treated to remove most radioactive materials.
The release has been met with significant international criticism, particularly from neighboring countries concerned about potential environmental impacts. Despite these concerns, Japanese authorities and the plant’s operator insist that the release meets international safety standards.
Since August 24 of last year, approximately 39,000 tonnes of treated water have been released during the previous five rounds. The operator aims to discharge around 54,600 tonnes of water during this fiscal year, which began in April.
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The latest release of nuclear waste occurred a day after China and Russia strongly opposed Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, calling for transparent consultations with neighboring countries and international bodies.
During a visit to China by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two nations urged Japan to handle the water safely, under long-term supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency, to protect global health and the marine environment.
However, Tokyo expressed “deep regret” over the statement, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin had made assertions that were “contrary to the facts.” The Japanese government emphasized that the discharge process complies with international safety standards and is being conducted with full transparency.
Japanese officials also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the released water poses no risk to human health or the environment. Despite the reassurances, the issue remains a point of contention in international relations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
