On August 24, the Japanese government began releasing water into the ocean. However, this is not just any water, but rather treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was destroyed by a tsunami 12 years ago. Therefore, Japan handled the situation carefully and subjected the liquid to an advanced filtering and dilution process. It still contains a potentially harmful radionuclide called tritium. However, experts say the levels are so low that it is not a cause for concern. Japan wants to release more than a million tons of water in the next 30 years. Many scientists support the plan, as does the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency.
However, China has strongly criticized Japan’s actions, calling them reckless. The government has banned the import of Japanese seafood. State media has covered the story endlessly without mentioning the scientists supporting the plan. Nationalist internet users have spread unfounded claims about contaminated fish and poisoned people and called for a boycott of Japanese goods. There was a salt buying spree in some Chinese cities, with people queuing for hours to buy a bag. Some seem to believe that salt can be contaminated or that it is useful in treating radiation sickness (which is not the case).
However, there are also scientists and environmental activists who reject Japan’s plan. Some claim that further studies are needed to assess the possible effects. Others say the authorities in Japan cannot be trusted. The Fukushima disaster has exposed alarming levels of official corruption, incompetence and deception.
But China’s response may have more to do with politics than anything else. Anti-Japanese sentiment in the country is deeply rooted. Chinese nationalists often cite Japan’s invasion and occupation of China in the 1930s and 1940s. A dispute over five islands in the East China Sea a decade ago led to war talks. More recently, officials in Beijing have watched with frustration as Japan draws closer to America and shows increasing support for Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own. On the sewage issue, Japan says China has rebuffed its offers to hold meetings where it would address any concerns.
Another type of meeting also complicated the situation. On August 18, President Joe Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol for an unprecedented summit. A bitter history has often divided Japan and South Korea. China’s assertiveness has brought them closer together. Now, however, China may see an opportunity to drive a wedge between them. The South Korean government has supported Japan’s sanitation plan, but the Korean opposition and much of the public are against it. (The Japanese public is also divided on the issue.)
The wastewater release comes at an opportune time for China. The country’s economy is struggling. Every week seems to bring a new flood of disappointing data. Japan’s actions have distracted from the bad news. But concerns about the economy could undermine China’s response. No country buys seafood from Japan anymore. The import ban could hurt Chinese companies almost as much as it hurts Japanese fishermen. It may not last long. ■