(ECNS) -- Despite domestic and international opposition, Japan has dumped 15,600 tons of nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean, blatantly and irresponsibly spreading the risk of contamination worldwide, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Thursday.
According to media reports, TEPCO started to dump the third batch of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean on November 2. The discharge is expected to last through November 20 and reach nearly 7,800 tons.
Wang mentioned that the recent incident of radioactive waste water being splashed onto workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant is yet another example of TEPCO’s problematic internal management and habit of deceiving the public.
"It makes people doubt once again the credibility of Japan’s purportedly 'safe and transparent' discharge plan," he added.
Wang noted that Japan needs to take seriously the widespread international concerns, engage in thorough consultations with other stakeholders, especially its neighbors, and dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible way.
Wang reminded the urgency of putting in place an international monitoring arrangement that will remain effective over the long run with the substantive participation of all stakeholders including Japan’s neighbors as more Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is being dumped into the sea.
"The IAEA needs to play its due role and Japan should fully cooperate so as to avoid irrevocable consequences stemming from the ocean discharge," he added.
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