China to host global nuclear safety conference – but row over Fukushima nuclear waste water will not be on agenda

The controversial release of water from the nuclear plant does not fall within the scope of the conference, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency

Beijing has strongly protested about the Fukushima discharge, but the IAEA has backed the plan, saying it meets scientific standards

Reading Time:2 minutes

The controversial release of waste water from Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant will not be discussed at global conference hosted by China. Photo: AP

Published: 12:59pm, 19 Mar 2024Updated: 5:33pm, 19 Mar 2024

China will host an international nuclear safety conference next month but the release of waste water from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan will not be on the agenda.

The fifth International Conference on Enhancing the Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants will be held in Beijing between April 15 and 19, the first time the event has been held outside Vienna, the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“China, which operates and builds many nuclear power plants, offered to host this event,” the IAEA said, adding that it “holds conferences in various member states”.

It had previously said the main focus will be on how nuclear plant operators and owners can improve safety at their plants.

While the conference would “highlight enhancements in operational safety management at all stages of nuclear power plant operations”, it added: “The specific topic of the release of treated water from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not within the scope of this conference.”

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to queries about why the topic would not be addressed.