Beijing, (TDI): China and Japan have reached a four-point agreement on the controversial discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan’s Fukushima plant, establishing a long-term international monitoring system.
The deal allowed China to conduct independent sampling and assessments.
While China continues to firmly oppose Japan’s discharge of the nuclear wastewater, the agreement ensures that China will have access to reliable, comprehensive data to ensure that safety standards are met.
Under the agreement, Japan has committed to fulfilling its obligations under international law by ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.
Tokyo has also agreed to continuous evaluations of the discharge’s impact on the marine ecosystem.
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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that third parties, including China, will be involved in monitoring efforts under the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This includes independent sampling and inter-laboratory comparisons by stakeholders like China.
China’s Position
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, however, emphasized that China’s opposition to the discharge remains unchanged.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, spokesperson Mao Ning noted that Japan had begun the discharge unilaterally on August 24, 2023, despite widespread international concern.
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She highlighted that the agreement reached after multiple rounds of negotiations was aimed at ensuring Japan meets its international legal obligations and enhances safety oversight.
The agreement represents a new phase of international oversight rather than an end to the controversy, experts say.
