Japan and China have announced a significant breakthrough in their ongoing dispute over the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Following the start of the discharge in August 2023, China had imposed a ban on Japanese seafood imports, citing concerns over its safety and potential impact on its fishing industry and coastal communities. However, the two nations have now reached a ‘certain level of mutual understanding,’ according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, paving the way for China to ease its import ban and participate in monitoring the wastewater discharges.
Under the new agreement, China will join the IAEA’s expanded monitoring framework, enabling its scientists to contribute to the sampling and analysis of the treated water before and after its release. Kishida emphasized that the safety of the discharged water has been thoroughly verified and that Japan will continue to press for China to lift its seafood ban immediately. He expressed confidence that China will resume imports of Japanese seafood that meet Chinese standards, similar to other products from various countries.
The agreement marks a significant step towards resolving a contentious issue that has strained relations between the two Asian powers. However, China’s statements on the safety of Japanese seafood remain skeptical, fueled by long-standing political disputes dating back to Japan’s partial occupation of China in the early 20th century.
Japan has consistently maintained that the discharge complies with international safety standards and has been rigorously monitored by the IAEA. The country has criticized China’s seafood ban as unscientific and has repeatedly demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The IAEA, which has conducted extensive assessments of the treated wastewater, has confirmed that the discharge meets its safety standards. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has pledged continued cooperation with the Japanese government in implementing the expanded monitoring program.
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was severely damaged during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, leading to meltdowns in three of its reactors and the accumulation of large quantities of radioactive water. The plant’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Holdings Co. (TEPCO), has been working to decommission the plant, with the discharge of the stored wastewater deemed necessary for safety and to facilitate other operations.
The agreement between Japan and China offers hope for a more cooperative approach to managing the Fukushima wastewater issue. While challenges remain, the commitment to expanding international monitoring and working towards lifting the seafood ban represents a crucial step in resolving this complex issue.
