At a high-level meeting in San Francisco, Chinese leader Xi Jinping conveyed to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida his deep concerns about the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, stating that it has implications for the "health of humankind," according to a statement from Beijing's foreign ministry on Friday.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted Xi Jinping's emphasis on the global impact of the contaminated water release during the meeting. Xi urged Prime Minister Kishida to carefully consider both domestic and international concerns surrounding the discharge from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant. The Chinese leader's remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the potential health risks associated with the release.
The exchange between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Kishida comes amid heightened international attention on Japan's decision to release treated but still radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. The move, scheduled to begin in 2023, has sparked concerns from neighboring countries and environmental activists about the potential environmental and health consequences.
Xi Jinping's call for a thorough consideration of legitimate concerns at home and abroad indicates the diplomatic challenges surrounding the issue. The dialogue between the two leaders serves as a reminder of the intricate balance required to address environmental concerns while taking into account the broader implications on global health and safety. As discussions continue, the international community closely watches the developments surrounding the Fukushima wastewater release and its potential ramifications.