Japan Lodges Complaints as Harassment Calls Escalate Over Fukushima Plant Discharge,Raising Tensions

Japan Calls on China to Halt Abusive Calls Amid Fukushima Water Release Large

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Tensions are escalating between Japan and China as Tokyo raises concerns about a wave of abusive phone calls inundating local businesses and institutions following the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. With origins traced to Chinese dialing codes, more than a thousand calls have bombarded a Fukushima restaurant chain since the release commenced. The uproar stems from Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater, which has invited strong criticism, particularly from Beijing.

Tension increases over Japan's release of contaminated water from Fukushima nuclear power plant as China banned seafood imports from Japan.https://t.co/ZE9ZetPTU8
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Japan has officially lodged complaints against China over this issue, drawing attention to the distressing calls that target government departments, schools, and even an aquarium. The callers, fluent in Chinese, Japanese, and English, express their vehement opposition to Japan’s choice, employing abusive language to convey their disapproval.

Tokyo has urged its citizens visiting China to exercise caution and avoid speaking Japanese loudly. In response to the rising tensions, Beijing has also reported receiving nuisance calls from Japan. Moreover, China’s condemnation of the Fukushima water release as “selfish and irresponsible” has prompted it to announce a ban on Japanese seafood imports, further exacerbating diplomatic friction.

The incident highlights a broader controversy. While Japan asserts the safety of the discharged water and emphasizes the removal of radioactive elements, critics, including neighboring countries like South Korea, voice skepticism. The UN’s nuclear watchdog has endorsed the plan, but opposition remains strong, with protestors attempting to storm the Japanese embassy in Seoul.

As Tokyo initiates regular radiation testing near the Fukushima plant in a bid to allay regional and international anxieties, weekly results are set to be disclosed over the next three months. The long-term disposal of over a million tonnes of stored water, accumulated since the 2011 tsunami, remains a central point of contention.

The situation escalates, with China’s embassy in Tokyo revealing that nuisance calls have targeted Chinese diplomatic entities in Japan. This prompted China to file stern representations with Japan, condemning the interference caused by the calls.

In the midst of this intensifying diplomatic standoff, Japan and China remain at odds regarding the treatment of the released water and its potential impact. As tensions rise, the global community watches closely, assessing the implications of this clash between two prominent nations in the realm of environmental and political decision-making