TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called on China to address acts of harassment against Japanese diplomatic facilities and schools. These acts, including crank calls and stone throwing, have increased in response to Japan’s recent release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Regrettable Actions
Kishida expressed his disappointment, stating, “I must say it is regrettable.” In an effort to address the situation, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Masataka Okano summoned China’s ambassador, Wu Jianghao. The purpose was to request that Chinese citizens act calmly and responsibly in light of the ongoing issue.
Controversial Wastewater Discharge
Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater into the ocean, which started last Thursday with plans to continue for decades, has faced significant opposition from fishing groups and neighboring countries. In response, China has immediately implemented a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood. Likewise, in South Korea, thousands of people have taken part in rallies over the weekend to condemn the discharge.
Ongoing Harassment
Apart from the challenges with the wastewater release, Japan has also been dealing with acts of harassment targeted at its embassy, consulates, and schools in China. The Japanese government has requested a joint scientific discussion with China regarding the release by experts. Unfortunately, there has been no response from China’s government so far. Kishida highlighted that many countries perceive Japan’s plan as scientific and transparent.
Wave of Crank Calls
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that thousands of crank calls originating from China have been directed towards Fukushima government offices and the nuclear plant’s operator. Many of the callers shouted in Chinese, while some resorted to using offensive language such as “stupid” and other swear words.
Overall, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is urging China to take action against these acts of harassment and promote calmness and responsibility among its citizens during this sensitive period.
Japan’s Plans to Remove Radioactive Wastewater from Fukushima Plant
Japan’s government and the plant operator are facing the challenge of treating 134 million tons of radioactive wastewater that has accumulated since the March 2011 accident at the nuclear plant. Stored in about 1,000 tanks, this wastewater is taking up a significant portion of the plant area, hindering the construction of facilities for the plant’s cleanup and decommissioning, processes that are anticipated to take several decades.
Protecting Japan’s Fisheries Industry and Dealing with China’s Import Ban
In addition to tackling the radioactive wastewater issue, Japan’s Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida, has pledged to safeguard Japan’s fisheries industry from the impact of China’s import ban. Although Kishida has not yet announced specific support measures, he assured the public that necessary actions will be taken promptly.
Travel Advisory for Japanese Citizens in China
In response to an escalation of harassment and violent protests in China, Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory on Sunday. Japanese citizens were encouraged to exercise extra caution while in China and refrain from speaking loudly in Japanese to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
Opposition from Japanese Fishing Groups
Within Japan, there is strong opposition to the release plan from fishing groups in the Fukushima area. These groups are concerned that such an action will further damage the reputation of seafood from the region, already struggling due to the meltdown of three reactors caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami.
Ensuring Safety and Transparency
However, it is important to note that all seawater and fish sampling data since the nuclear incident have consistently shown levels far below the established safety limits. This data supports the argument that carrying out the release of treated wastewater can be done without jeopardizing public health.
Efforts to Restore Confidence in Fukushima Seafood
To address concerns and repair reputational damage to Fukushima seafood, Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura visited the region on Monday. Accompanied by officials from a prominent supermarket chain, Nishimura sampled locally caught surf clams and flounder.
Moving forward, Nishimura expressed his desire to promote delicious Fukushima seafood both within Japan and internationally. He emphasized the importance of transparency in the release process and the disclosure of all relevant data to regain public trust.
Japan’s commitment to dealing with the radioactive wastewater issue while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens and the fishing industry is poised to set a new standard for environmental cleanup efforts worldwide.
