China criticizes Japan over Fukushima treated water release

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called Japan's decision to release the treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean over the next two years a money-saving measure that is extremely irresponsible.

Beijing:China renewed its criticism on Wednesday of Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian rejected Japanese complaints about a tweet he earlier sent criticizing Japan’s decision with a picture of a famous Japanese print of a massive wave, saying it was hypocritical of Japan not to allow others to criticize when it had failed to consider the concerns of its neighbours.

Read:|Japan to release Fukushima water into sea amid oppn

“Certain Japanese officials have been playing deaf and dumb. Then why are they so angry about this image?” Zhao said at a daily briefing. “The Japanese side should recognize its responsibility, fulfil its international obligations and revoke its wrong decision.”

Japan’s decision had long been anticipated but was delayed by safety concerns and protests. Cabinet ministers endorsed it as the best option, though it is fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents and Japan’s neighbours. The water has been used to cool melted fuel at the nuclear plant damaged by a massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but the tanks where it is being stored will be full next year.

Also Wednesday, Japan said its military has raised caution levels around uninhabited East China Sea islands that it controls but are also claimed by Beijing after six Chinese warships passed near the area and a reconnaissance helicopter flew toward it.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters that the Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed that a Chinese fleet of six warships led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning and including guided-missile destroyers and a frigate sailed northward between Okinawa and the nearby island of Miyako to enter the East China Sea.

On Tuesday, the Japanese navy spotted a Chinese helicopter that took off from the Liaoning and flew within 50-100 kilometres (30-60 miles) of the islands, prompting Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets to scramble, Kato said.

Read:|Safety of Fukushima waste water focus of sea release debate

The islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are also claimed by Taiwan. While relations have been relatively calm recently, many Chinese remain deeply resentful of Japan’s past invasion and occupation of China and expect their government to take a tough line against Tokyo.

There was no violation of Japanese airspace or territorial waters, Kato said.

It is the second time this month the fleet was seen passing the area while travelling between the Pacific and the East China Sea, according to Japanese reports.

AP

Read:|Nuclear watchdog backs release of contaminated Fukushima water