A team of scientists from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Fukushima to conduct their annual monitoring and sampling mission to ensure the safety of the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea. This mission is crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability in the handling of radioactive materials.
Japan initiated the discharge of wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in August 2023. The plant suffered severe damage during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, leading to meltdowns in three reactors and the accumulation of significant amounts of radioactive water.
Following the wastewater discharge, China raised concerns and imposed a ban on imports of Japanese seafood. This move has had a significant impact on Japanese seafood exporters, prompting both countries to engage in negotiations to address the issue.
The IAEA team will be conducting sampling activities at various locations, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant, coastal waters, and a fish market in Iwaki city. Additionally, they will visit a national laboratory near Tokyo and hold discussions with Japanese officials to ensure compliance with international safety standards.
In a recent development, Japan and China reached a deal in late September to ease the seafood ban and involve Beijing in the monitoring of wastewater discharges under the IAEA framework. However, the current IAEA mission, which includes experts from China, is distinct from the bilateral agreement between the two countries.
Japan has reiterated that the wastewater discharge meets international safety requirements and is subject to rigorous monitoring by the IAEA. The Japanese government has criticized China's seafood ban as lacking scientific basis and has called for its immediate cessation to facilitate smoother trade relations between the two nations.
