THE confirmation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders to conduct independent sampling and monitoring between China and Japan has sparked the chances of regional cooperation of systematic disposing of contaminated water, preserving of oceanography, maritime bio-diversity, ecological balance and last but not least, further consolidation of blue economy and markets of fishes and sea foods in the region and beyond.

It is indeed a wise decision of both sides to further protect the environment, nature, business and people’s health in the region. Unfortunately, despite serious concerns of many regional countries including South Korea, China and small Islands along with displeasure and disapproval of a large domestic fishery community and industry the Japanese government unilaterally started the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean on August 24, 2023 which endangered sea species, humanity, commerce, and overall regional maritime security.

Being one of most important stakeholders, China is firmly opposed to this irresponsible move. China has urged Japan to seriously revisit its policy of disposing contaminated waters in sea by fulfilling its obligations, to give full cooperation in the establishment of an independent and effective long-term international monitoring arrangement in which stakeholders can........

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