Russia and China Slam Japan for Lack of Transparency on Fukushima Radioactive Water Discharge, Consider Imposing Bans on Japanese Seafood Imports

 Russia and China have both criticized Japan for not providing full information on the radioactive water being discharged from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Despite repeated requests, Japan has failed to demonstrate transparency and provide access to all information regarding the water discharge, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. The release of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean by Japan began in August, and China promptly responded by imposing a ban on seafood imports from Japan.

Russia is now considering joining China in implementing a similar ban on Japanese seafood imports. Zakharova emphasized that if Japan halted the process of draining its waste into the ocean, most of Russia's concerns would be resolved. She also noted that China shared the same view. The Fukushima disaster, triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, is considered the worst nuclear accident since the Chernobyl incident in 1986.

Japan maintains that the release of the treated radioactive water is safe, citing the conclusions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that there is negligible impact on both people and the environment. However, Russia and China remain skeptical and emphasize the need for Japan to address their concerns and guarantee the absence of long-term threats. The dispute highlights the ongoing international debate over the management of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and the potential environmental and health risks associated with such releases.