Backlash to Japan’s Fukushima waste water plan quietens as South Korea, China assess the real cost
- After initially strongly opposing Japan’s planned release of contaminated water, its neighbours are now pressing Tokyo to be transparent about the discharge
- Analysts believe South Korea, Russia and Taiwan are more concerned about sacrificing bilateral ties with Japan – but China is still seething
Amid protests by students, fishermen and politicians, Chung said Seoul just wanted transparency and proof from Japan that the 1.2 million tonnes of water it plans to release in two years off its east coast would be treated according to International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) standards to remove harmful chemicals.
Similarly, China, which criticised Tokyo’s decision as “extremely irresponsible” with the potential to cause damage to the marine environment and human health, has yet to spell out further concrete steps against Tokyo. Expressing “grave concerns” about Japan’s decision, Russia called on Tokyo to provide more data about its water disposal plans, while Taiwan said it had “strong concerns” about the Japanese decision, on behalf of the “people of Taiwan and environmental organisations”. The Pacific Islands urged Japan to reconsider its decision.
The seeming calm after the initial burst of anger at Japan has led analysts to conclude that regional countries will focus on pressing Tokyo to be forthcoming on its water discharge plans instead of sacrificing bilateral ties in what is already an uncertain geopolitical environment.
A major economic and political power, Japan is one of Asia’s largest trading partners and has strengthened political, security and economic relations with regional countries, many of whom view Tokyo as a friendly and reliable ally.
NO DRAMA