(ECNS) -- Experts from China, South Korea, and Switzerland, in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), began marine samplings near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on October 15. These experts personally collected samples, which will later be analyzed in their respective laboratories.
This marks the first concrete step taken by the IAEA in response to the additional measures agreed upon between China and Japan regarding the discharge of Fukushima's contaminated water.
“The Agency will continue to coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately under the framework of the IAEA, maintaining the integrity of the process with full transparency to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
On Sept. 20, China and Japan announced a joint plan to establish a long-term international monitoring system under the IAEA framework, covering key stages of the water discharge process.
This arrangement ensures that all relevant stakeholders, including China, can participate in independent sampling, monitoring, and laboratory analysis. The IAEA confirmed that the agreement builds on its existing monitoring activities in line with the agency's core functions.