Japan's move to discharge treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean has sparked a heated international debate. On August 4, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began constructing an offshore facility for the release, despite lingering concerns from neighboring countries and local fishing communities.
Japanese authorities maintain that the water—treated to remove most radioactive contaminants but still containing traces of tritium—meets safety standards. However, the plan faces fierce opposition from the island nation's fishing unions, who fear irreversible harm to marine ecosystems and their livelihoods. The decision has also drawn criticism from the Chinese mainland, South Korea, and the Philippines, where residents worry about long-term environmental and health risks.
CGTN interviewed locals across East Asia, with many expressing alarm. A fisher in South Korea's Jeju Island stated, \"This isn't just Japan's problem—it affects all countries sharing the Pacific.\" Environmental activists in the Philippines emphasized the threat to marine biodiversity, while residents of the Chinese mainland called for transparent international oversight. One Tokyo resident acknowledged the controversy but noted, \"We trust the scientists' assurances, though dialogue with neighbors is crucial.\"
As tensions rise, questions linger about balancing technological solutions with cross-border ecological responsibility.
Reference(s):
We Talk: How do I view Japan's handling of nuclear wastewater?
cgtn.com
