China, Japan reach agreement on ocean discharge of Fukushima wastewater

On Aug. 24, 2023, the Japanese government unilaterally began discharging contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean. China, as a major stakeholder, strongly opposed this irresponsible action.

China urged Japan to seriously address domestic and international concerns, fulfill its responsibilities, and fully cooperate in establishing a substantial, independent, and effective long-term international monitoring system, agreeing to allow independent sampling and monitoring by China.

The relevant authorities of both countries have held multiple rounds of consultations on the issue of the nuclear-contaminated water discharge from Fukushima Daiichi recently, reaching the following consensus:

-Japan has committed to fulfilling its obligations under international law, making every effort to minimize negative impacts on human health and the environment, and will continue to conduct assessments of marine environmental and ecological impacts.

-In response to the concerns of all interested countries, including China, Japan welcomes the establishment of a long-term international monitoring framework under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that covers key aspects of the discharge process. Japan will ensure the effective participation of all interested countries, including independent sampling, monitoring, and laboratory analysis comparisons.

- Both parties agree to continue constructive dialogue based on scientific principles, responsibly addressing ecological and public health concerns related to the discharge.

- China stated that, in accordance with its national laws and regulations and WTO rules, it has taken emergency precautionary temporary measures against Japanese aquatic products. China will adjust these measures based on scientific evidence after effectively participating in the long-term international monitoring under the IAEA framework and independent sampling activities by participating countries, gradually resuming the import of compliant Japanese aquatic products.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the consensus document reached between China and Japan on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station does not imply an immediate full resumption of Japanese seafood imports into China.

Mao Ning emphasized that China will continue to follow the guidelines of the World Trade Organization and Chinese laws and regulations, prioritizing safety and basing decisions on scientific facts. China will adjust its measures based on scientific evidence after effectively participating in the monitoring activities, conducting independent sampling, and verifying results. Technical consultations will be held with Japan, and the gradual resumption of the import of compliant Japanese aquatic products will proceed once China's requirements are fully met. Updates on the consultation outcomes and policy adjustments will be promptly communicated to the public.

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