(Vienna, November 2021)

Mr. Chairman,

The disposal of nuclear contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan is a major international issue that has a bearing on the vital interests of the people of neighboring countries and the global marine environment. China is highly concerned about this.

In April this year, the Japanese government unilaterally decided to discharge nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear accident into the sea. The Japanese side has not exhausted ways of a safe disposal, has not fully disclosed relevant information, has not fully consulted with neighboring countries and other stakeholders, nor has it come up with arrangements that can be monitored and verified. It is extremely irresponsible to make the above decision rashly. China, the ROK, the Russian Federation, Pacific island countries, and Central American countries have all expressed opposition or concern. However, Japan completely ignores the legitimate concerns of the international community, and is still advancing technological and policy preparations for the discharge into sea. This attempt to impose its own wrong decision on the international community is totally unacceptable.

Japan should earnestly respond to the calls of the international community, neighboring countries and its own people, earnestly fulfill its due international obligations, revoke the wrong decision to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea, and stop advancing preparations for the sea discharge. Japan should uphold an open, transparent and scientific attitude, invite domestic and international stakeholders to fully participate, fully consult with relevant international organizations, and re-evaluate various possible options for nuclear-contaminated water disposal. Unless a consensus with relevant stakeholders and the IAEA through consultation is reached, Japan should not wantonly initiate a sea discharge.

Mr. Chairman,

China follows closely the work progress of the IAEA technical working group, and hopes that the Agency will inform the international community in a timely manner. China is of the view that the Agency should uphold an objective, impartial, scientific and responsible attitude, fully listen to the opinions of stakeholders, and assist the international community in conducting a pre-, during and post-event evaluation, monitoring and verification of Japan’s nuclear contaminated water disposal to ensure that the nuclear contaminated water disposal is absolutely safe.

China hopes that the Secretariat of the Agency will strengthen communication with stakeholders on relevant work. The Japanese side should give the Agency its full cooperation, including full consultation on all possible options for the nuclear-contaminated water disposal, and receiving monitoring and verification on data accuracy and the effectiveness of disposal methods.

The ocean is the common property of mankind, and there is no precedent for discharging contaminated water from nuclear accidents into the sea. The international community must be very cautious about the disposal of nuclear contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear accident. China will continue to watch closely the development of the matter and reserve the right to make further responses.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.