China Urges Monitoring of Fukushima Water Release

Recent independent testing by Chinese research institutions of seawater samples near Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant found no abnormalities in the levels of radioactive substances like tritium, cesium-137, and strontium-90. These results come after Japan began releasing treated water from the plant into the ocean, a move that has faced international criticism and led to a ban on Japanese seafood imports by China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need for continued monitoring and collaboration with the international community to ensure the safety of the discharge. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other stakeholders, including South Korea and Switzerland, have been involved in the oversight process. China maintains that one test is insufficient to fully assess the safety of the discharge, and the resumption of seafood imports will depend on ongoing data collection and Japan's adherence to safety measures. While no impact on marine life has been observed, China's stance against the discharge remains firm, citing the lack of a binding international mechanism to regulate such releases.