Japanese Economic Security Award “Continued scientific and transparent explanations”
It has been more than a month since Japan discharged contaminated water (treated water, as the Japanese government calls it) from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean. The Japanese government plans to promote safety by attending the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general meeting to be held starting on the 25th (local time).
According to Jiji News Agency and Nippon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the IAEA General Assembly will be held in Vienna, Austria for five days from the 25th to the 29th of this month.
At the general meeting, speeches by representatives of each country are scheduled. An evaluation of each country’s discharge of contaminated water from Japan is expected to be released. In addition, it is expected that criticism will be raised about Iran’s nuclear development and the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is occupied by Russia.
In Japan, Minister of Economy and Security Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to attend. At a press conference on the 22nd, he attended the IAEA general meeting and said, “I will continue to provide scientific and transparent explanations.”
Economic Security Minister Takaichi emphasized that “we will continue to insist that we will ensure safety to the last drop so that the discharge of contaminated water does not have a negative impact on people and the environment.”
Regarding China, which is opposing the discharge of contaminated water, he said, “I have no plans to say anything to China in particular,” but regarding China’s embargo on Japanese seafood, he said, “We will respond appropriately within the framework of the G7 and other major countries.” did.
The United States and Australia are showing understanding or acceptance of Japan’s discharge of contaminated water. China continues to express strong opposition. The IAEA board meeting held in mid-month also criticized it, calling it “nuclear polluted water.” Jiji News reported, “Countries with close relations with China, such as Venezuela, are moving to keep pace (with China).”
Japan began discharging contaminated water into the ocean on the 24th of last month. The first discharge was completed on the 11th of this month, and the second discharge is expected to begin in late September or early October.
Meanwhile, three countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, announced this month that they would maintain sanctions against Iran that were supposed to be lifted in accordance with the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). These are sanctions related to ballistic missiles, etc. Iran objected and refused to accept IAEA inspectors. As tensions rise, attention is being paid to whether there will be any mention at this IAEA general meeting.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.