Chair,

The discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima, Japan, has significant implications for the global marine environment, human health, and international public interests. China’s position opposing the unauthorized discharge of such water remains firm and unwavering. To effectively mitigate the potential risks associated with the discharge, China has taken the lead in advocating and supporting the establishment of a long-term, independent, and effective international monitoring arrangement under IAEA’s framework. In this context, China initiated negotiations with Japan on additional monitoring measures, resulting in a agreement reached on September 20th. Japan has welcomed the establishment of a long-term international monitoring arrangement under the IAEA framework, covering key stages in the discharge and ensuring the effective participation of China and all other concerned countries.

China commends the strong efforts of Director General Rafael Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat in facilitating cooperation between China and Japan to achieve this bilateral agreement and in actively promoting the implementation of the additional monitoring measures. In early October, the IAEA Task Force conducted inter-laboratory analyses and comparative sampling in Fukushima. For the first time, experts from China, the Republic of Korea, and other stakeholder countries were able to participate in independent, hands-on sampling in Fukushima.

In the spirit of high responsibility for the global marine ecosystem and public health, China will continue to engage with Japan and the IAEA in a scientific manner, fostering dialogue and cooperation to enhance and implement long-term international monitoring arrangements that cover key stages in the discharge. These arrangements aim to ensure that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima poses no long-term risk to the global marine environment and human health. China hopes that Japan will work constructively and collaboratively with China to expedite the implementation of relevant follow-up measures.

Thank you, Chair.