Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Do not want August 24, 2023 to become a disaster day for the……

Beijing, August 23 (Xinhua) (Xie Yanbing) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin presided over a regular press conference on August 23.

Photographed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin and Xue Wei

A reporter asked: According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government will initiate the discharge of Fukushima nuclear contaminated water into the sea at 1pm tomorrow (24th). What is China's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: Regarding Japan's insistence on announcing the launch of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge to the sea on August 24th, I have already elaborated on China's solemn position yesterday. Yesterday, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Tsui Hideo and made solemn representations to the Japanese side. The Chinese side pointed out that the Japanese government disregards the strong doubts and opposition from the international community and insists on announcing the imminent launch of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge into the sea. This act openly transfers the risk of nuclear pollution to neighboring countries, including China, and the international community, placing one's own interests above the long-term well-being of people in the region and around the world, which is extremely selfish and irresponsible. China expresses serious concern and strong opposition.

The ocean is the blue homeland on which all humanity relies for survival, and Japan is not allowed to dump nuclear contaminated water at will. Japan's strong promotion of nuclear contaminated water discharge into the sea is undoubtedly a gamble on the global marine environment and the health of all humanity. If Japan truly has the sincerity to address the concerns of its neighboring countries, it should immediately stop pushing for sea discharge plans, engage in exchanges without predetermined results, and fully discuss all possible safety disposal plans.

China strongly urges Japan to withdraw its erroneous decision, stop forcefully promoting nuclear contaminated water discharge plans, communicate with neighboring countries in good faith, and handle it responsibly to avoid unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment. If the Japanese side insists on strongly promoting the sea discharge plan, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and public health.

We don't want August 24th, 2023, to become a disaster day for the marine environment. If Japan persists, it must bear historical responsibility for this. (End)