Chinese media warn of consequences of Fukushima sewage dumping: Godzilla consequences

The discharge of treated wastewater has been authorized by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations observer for nuclear energy. Photo: Asahi Shimbun/The Asahi Shimbun

A Chinese state newspaper warned of the consequences of the «real Godzilla» ahead of the release of 1.3 million metric tons of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The discharge, which will begin on Thursday, will open a «Pandora's box» and spark fear of the «real Godzilla,» according to The Global Times, referring to the radiation-eating dinosaur-like creature that first appeared in Japanese cinemas. in the 1950s.

The attempt to start dumping treated wastewater was sanctioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's atomic energy watchdog, but Beijing reacted with rage, condemning Japan as «extremely selfish and irresponsible.»

Tokyo insists that enough water to fill some 500 Olympic-sized pools is safe and will be monitored closely for decades, while the IAEA said in July that the plans were in line with international standards and would be «minor». » impact on people and the environment.

These assurances were welcomed by the United States but rejected by the Chinese government, which this week summoned the Japanese ambassador to Beijing to protest the decision.

«The discharge will spread the risks of nuclear pollution to the rest of the world, and by doing so, Japan puts its selfish interests ahead of the long-term well-being of all mankind,» said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry. without mentioning any scientific evidence for their claim.

Fishermen from Hong Kong pour water over a portrait of Fumio Kishida, Japanese Prime Minister during protests against the release of radioactive water at Fukushima Photo: Daniel Tseng/Shutterstock

A discharge from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, 12 years after water was contaminated by a massive earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the plant's power and cooling systems, has sparked controversy in Asia and the Pacific.

South Korea said Tuesday that they see «no scientific or technical problems in this regard», but that the government «does not necessarily agree or support» it.

Hong Kong said it would ban imports of «aquatic products» from 10 countries. prefectures of Japan from August 24.

Japan says it is urgent to get rid of nuclear weapons as the nuclear power plant is running out of space fast. The company has used a filtration method known as an advanced liquid treatment system to remove most of the radioactive elements from the water, and says it will dilute and slowly release the liquid to keep it in line with international safety regulations.

The Japanese government insists that it will operate with a «high level of transparency» and pledged £434m to address potential reputational damage and support local fishermen.