Tension Rises as Fukushima's Controversial Wastewater Release Approaches Deadline

The first phase of releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, which has caused tension with China, will end on September 11 as planned, according to the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant's operator. TEPCO stated that the levels of radioactive tritium in seawater samples taken near the plant were within safe limits.

The release of the water, which began on August 24, aims to make space for the removal of radioactive fuel and debris from the damaged reactors. Japan maintains that the discharge is safe, a view supported by the United Nations atomic agency.

However, China has banned all seafood imports from Japan, accusing it of treating the sea as a "sewer." In response to the ban, the Japanese government has increased its aid package for the fishing sector.

Additionally, fishermen and residents from Fukushima and other prefectures have filed a lawsuit to stop the ongoing release of treated wastewater, citing damage to livelihoods and a violation of the right to a peaceful life. The government and TEPCO argue that the water meets legal standards and is diluted before being released.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has reviewed the release plan and determined that its impact on the environment, marine life, and humans will be minimal.