China determined to protect healthy development of marine fishery sector

The Chinese government has the ability and determination to take all necessary measures to protect the healthy development of the marine fishery sector, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.

According to reports, China is carrying out radiation monitoring in sea areas under its jurisdiction.

In response to a relevant query at a daily press briefing, Wang said the moves of carrying out radiation monitoring of the marine environment, taking emergency measures against Japanese aquatic product imports and strengthening monitoring of nuclear-contamination risks of marine aquatic products are legitimate and reasonable measures taken by the Chinese government to respond to Japan’s discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, as well as to safeguard national interests and public rights.

The discharge will last for decades, and there is great uncertainty about whether it can truly meet the standards, said Wang, adding that China will take necessary measures to safeguard national interests and public health.

Read more: EXPLAINER: Is the Fukushima treated nuclear water release safe?

(Cover: The nuclear-contaminated water is released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean in Okuma, Fukushima, Japan, August 24, 2023. /CFP)