In response to concerns over the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant in Japan, China has reportedly implemented radiation level inspections on ballast water carried by cargo ships arriving from Japan.
According to Japanese news, this move aims to ensure the safety of key ports in China and prevent any potential contamination. Amidst Beijing’s vehement opposition to Japan’s decision to release treated water into the Pacific Ocean, monitoring efforts have been initiated.
As Kyodo News reports, since July, ports in Tianjin and Shandong province in eastern China have been conducting an examination of ballast water samples taken from Japanese territorial seas.
China has strongly criticized Japan’s decision to discharge water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, labelling it as “nuclear-contaminated.” The Chinese government has demanded an immediate halt to this action, raising concerns about the potential environmental and health risks associated with such a move.
China’s ballast water inspections remain undisclosed, with no official documentation made available to the public. The Japanese government is currently gathering information as there have been no significant disruptions to trade or cargo transportation.
To remind, Korean authorities had also taken precautions to keep radioactive ballast water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant’s wastewater out of Korean waterways.
