Japan envoy hits malicious fake news on Fukushima discharge

MANILA, Philippines — Harmful rumors and malicious fake news about the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant’s discharge of treated radioactive wastewater is “unforgivable,” according to Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa.

“Malicious fake news is disseminated on the internet regarding the discharge of treated water from Fukushima and there have been many harassing phone calls in Japan that appear to be originating from China,” Koshikawa posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“The lack of transparency over China’s discharge of nuclear power plant cooling water into the ocean is concerning, especially since it contains more tritium than Fukushima,” he added.

Koshikawa said they oppose politically motivated criticism from China.

“Japan needs to stop shifting the blame and act responsibly,” the Chinese embassy in Manila posted on X.

“Cease the release of nuclear-contaminated water immediately,” it urged.

The embassy did not respond to questions regarding the harassing phone calls allegedly coming from China.

Japan started discharging wastewater treated through the Advanced Liquid Processing System into the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 24, prompting China to immediately ban seafood from Japan.

The discharge of treated wastewater by Japan was “consistent with relevant international safety standards,” according to the International Atomic Energy Agency last month.