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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japan's move to discharge nuclear waste water into sea gets PH support

Japan's move to discharge nuclear waste water into sea gets PH support

Published Aug 24, 2023 04:56 am

The Philippines has expressed no opposition to Japan's move to release into the sea the wastewaters from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. 

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines "recognizes the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s technical expertise" on the matter after the latter greenlighted Tokyo's plans to discharge the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water that contains radioactive substances.

"The Philippines continues to look at this issue from a science- and fact-based perspective and its impact on the waters in the region," DFA said.

"As a coastal and archipelagic state, the Philippines attaches utmost priority to the protection and preservation of the marine environment," it added.

On Tuesday, August 22, Japan disclosed its plan to continue with the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, which was expected on August 24.

"The discharge will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment," Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said, citing IAEA's comprehensive report.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin opposed Japan's move.

Wang said the plan to discharge ALPS "is extremely selfish and irresponsible" as it will "spread the risks of nuclear contamination to the rest of the world."

"By doing so, Japan is putting its selfish interests above the long-term wellbeing of the entire humanity. China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this. We have made serious démarches to Japan," he said.

But Kazuhiko assured concerned nations that Japan "will take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the discharge into the sea even after it begins, and will not discharge anything that could adversely affect the health or environment."

Related Tags

fukushima ALPS treated water Wastewater release Department of Foreign Affairs
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