Japan, China hold talks over Fukushima treated water release

Talking to China about this is pointless, as China doesn't want to "solve" anything - only use the issue as a political weapon against Japan.

The IAEA (which has Chinese experts) has stated that the release would have "a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment:"

https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/iaea_comprehensive_alps_report.pdf

...

And China was invited to join an international monitoring framework, but refused:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/09/06/japan/china-fukushima-radioactive-water/

...

And let's not forget that China releases far larger amounts of Tritium (and other things) into the sea, so it's very clear that it's not the environment/safety that is the issue here:

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20230623-118053/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/25/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-power-plant-china-wastewater-release

https://time.com/6311984/china-japan-nuclear-wastewater-science-politics/

...

The unfortunate reality is that China under Xi cannot be trusted in any way, so Japan, and all other countries, must treat the country and its market as a lost cause, and move on.

This at least is progress. Talking things out, the two sides might reach productive solutions to the problem. Much better than bullying, fighting, and not compromising.

Gene HennighToday 08:28 am JST

Talking things out, the two sides might reach productive solutions to the problem.

Ordinarily, that would be the correct course of action, but this is China we're talking about so all bets are off.

The two sides have been discussing this issue for years, and it is, by now, pretty clear that China doesn't want to reach a solution - only use the issue as a political weapon.

Keep Talking People, Keep Talking.

Scientists have already confirmed the leakage poses little or no effect on the environment. or seafood. Japan should retaliate by banning some of the cheap Chinese junk that’s being imported until the communist party decides to play nice. In the meantime, thousands of wealthy Chinese citizens are emigrating to Japan, which is safer and has a healthier environment. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/17/1221849861/china-japan-immigration

Well, it actually is “nuclear contaminated water.” It’s just very very diluted when mixed with un-contaminated ocean water. And since it’s mixed, we’re all already eating the fish that live in it. Please explain it like that to the Chinese and offer them a special discount for their loyal patronage. They consume a lot of food over there.

It seems to be fair to have the participation of experts from Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea, Russia, USA, Canada, etc, regarding this Fukushima nuclear water being released in the Pacific Ocean. It is a Japanese issue, but Pacific Ocean is an international matter, so, it would be welcome the participation of all affected countries. Transparency and fair play is a must in a so sensitive issue as nuclear water being release into the ocean.

And yet Chinese fishing boats have been illegally fishing in Japan’s territorial waters.

I hope they brought up the facts that the CCP releases contaminated waters from all its nuclear plants on a daily basis.

They should have talked to China before the release

China import ban is good for those countries that believe seafood products from Japan are safe though, they can buy more at lower prices.

ianToday 01:21 pm JST

They should have talked to China before the release

They did.

Makoto ShimizuToday  11:59 am JST

It seems to be fair to have the participation of experts from Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea, Russia, USA, Canada, etc, regarding this Fukushima nuclear water being released in the Pacific Ocean.

There is already international expert participation. The Fukshima releases are monitored by the IAEA. Even China has been a member of the IAEA since 1984.

isabelle

Today 02:00 pm JST

ianToday 01:21 pm JST

> They should have talked to China before the release

> They did

And?

ianToday 02:19 pm JST

And?

And we are where we are now: China is still implementing a 100%-political seafood ban, in contravention of WTO rules.

I thought that was quite understandable.

What did they talk about?

isabelle

Today 02:52 pm JST

ianToday 02:19 pm JST

> And?

> And we are where we are now: China is still implementing a 100%-political seafood ban, in contravention of WTO rules.

> I thought that was quite understandable.

First time I heard that.

When was it decided?

Anyway that's good for Japan if that's the case they can seek redress from wto

Japan has to make some concessions, even if behind closed doors. World agrees with China on this matter, citizens across Asia not interested in science of treated water but rather the safe containment of risky water.

China's too important to Japan as a trading partner and for Japanese business in general. This is easiest way to reduce tensions and get things gradually on better path.

The Government of China, is a despot driven, regional belligerence.

Japan, its people emerged from a devastating World War, whose conclusion for Hiroshima, Nagasaki is etched so deep in the soul of two cities, obliterated to such an extent that the scars have brought J people to todays peace loving society.

That cannot remotely be said or mistaken for the Government of China policies to its neighbours.

Continuing on a path of Nuclear proliferation, or next generation ballistic driven missile technology.

A Land Sea and Air milltary super power without any constraints or recognition, even acceptance to the most basic human rights. A regime unwilling to follow international laws.

The Government of China wants Japan on its knees, it waters/seas red with Chinese flag emoji.

Xi Jinping ruthless drive to dominate control every aspect of the Asia–Pacific, every economic sector, including Japan efforts to survive from a horrendous earthquake and tsunami.

Below is evidence of Xi Jinping malign intent.

Most Japan fishing groups hit by China import ban over Fukushima row

https://japantoday.com/category/national/most-japan-fishing-groups-hit-by-china-import-ban-over-fukushima-row

The slow suffocation of Japan fishing industry.

Japan must dig deep and however unacceptable build/develop a deterrent capable of convincing Xi Jinping there will be no future for his tyranny.

HopeSpringsEternalToday 07:37 pm JST

Japan has to make some concessions, even if behind closed doors.

Concessions, yes; political games, no.

Japan is releasing safe water, with independent, international monitoring. All the data is there, and the opportunity for China (and others) to participate is there. But China would rather play political games, as it always does.

World agrees with China on this matter

This statement is false.

Many countries have expressed approval; most haven't expressed any position; and the few that do oppose it (at least, that I know of) are China's allies: Russia, North Korea, Solomon Islands. Even South Korea, with whom Japan has had countless issues, has approved the plan:

https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-nuclear-fukushima-wastewater-f8af2517be24786e2e3a94de35f8cd56

PseudonymouseToday 07:10 pm JST

Talking at them and Talking to them is two different things

It makes zero difference. China doesn't listen either way.

PseudonymouseToday  07:10 pm JST

Maybe if Japan and China would formally sign a peace treaty might help

They signed a Peace Treaty 52 years ago.

Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the People's Republic of China 1972.

Look it up.

Govt should launch a(nother) massive info campaign to convince people in Japan of the safely of its seafood. Aside from creating local demand it will also be a big first step towards showing china that the seafood indeed is safe.

Friendly nations should also increase their import and consumption of Japanese seafood. This will not only show China of other nations' confidence in the safety of Japan's seafood it might also render China unnecessary as market for the seafood

China is correct, Japan has no right to discharge radioactive water into the ocean, they must find another way, one would think of all the countries of the world Japan would recognize this themselves.