China’s opposition to Fukushima water release motivated by ‘public health, interests of future generations’ – MOFA spox

« Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed China’s strong opposition to Japan’s discharge of treated radioactive water was motivated by concern for the ‘global marine ecological environment, public health, and the interests of future generations,’ while speaking during a briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Her comments came following the meeting between Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and China’s Li Qiang on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta.
« Premier Li Qiang clarified China’s position on the issue of nuclear contaminated water discharge from Fukushima, Japan, during his conversation and speech at the meeting. He stated that the disposal of nuclear contaminated water is related to the global marine ecological environment, public health, and the interests of future generations,” the spokesperson stated.
Earlier this week, China declined Japan’s invitation to join the International Atomic Energy Agency’s system under which countries, excluding Japan, can analyse the results of water quality monitoring off Fukushima.
Tokyo began discharging water from the damaged nuclear plant last month, under an IAEA-approved plan, while Beijing condemned the move and suspended seafood imports from the country.
Mao Ning also announced that over 90 countries had signed up for the Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation (BRF), a global trade infrastructure initiative celebrating its 10th anniversary, to be held in Beijing this October.
“Up to now, more than 90 countries’ representatives have confirmed their participation, including leaders, ministers, and other official representatives of the ‘the Belt and Road’ partner countries, as well as businessmen, think tanks, and civil society who actively support and participate in the ‘the Belt and Road’ co-operation, and heads and representatives of many international organisations have confirmed their participation,” she said.
When asked about Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu’s comments that joint military drills with the DPRK would not be ruled out, the spokesperson refused to comment, stating ‘I’m not aware of what you just mentioned’.
She also confirmed that Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong will visit North Korea to take part in the celebration of the country’s founding day later this week. »



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