The Battle for Public Opinion of “Japan’s Nuclear Wastewater Sea Discharge”

Abstract

The Japanese government's decision to drain nuclear waste into the sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which is set to begin in 2023, could stymie geopolitical cooperation and collaboration, as well as the risk of radioactive elements in the wastewater having an incalculable impact on the planet's ecology and human society. Using qualitative content analysis, this article evaluates the history of the Japanese nuclear wastewater disaster, as well as support and opposition voices from other countries, academia, and civil society organizations. It explains how China may use the "policy + public opinion" system of governments and non-governmental organizations to defend its interests in international public opinion and eventually gain worldwide discourse power that matches China's strength.

Legal responses to Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater Discharge into the sea—from the perspective of China’s right-safeguarding strategies

“…Although the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Convention on Nuclear Safety, and the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident do not explicitly oppose discharging nuclear waste into the sea, international treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulate the obligations of the parties to accidents that may cause transboundary effects [ 7 ]. The Japanese government's decision to discharge Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the sea and its future discharge act are suspected of violating international laws.…”

“…However, once Fukushima nuclear wastewater is discharged into the sea, it will result in the following hazards: irreversible damage, multiple-faceted safety hazards, and worldwide consequences. Its risks can be evaluated and summarized as follows: 1) Severe damage to marine ecosystems and animal mutations; 2) Exceedances of radiation levels in fishery products, fruits and vegetables, rice, and even in many segments of cosmetics; 3) The health of people in all countries along the Pacific coast [ 7 ].…”

“…China has signed an intergovernmental scientific and technological cooperation agreement with the United States, France, Japan, and many other countries. If Japan continues to act arbitrarily, despite warnings from various countries, China might consult with South Korea, Russia, and East Asian neighbors, as well as the Pacific Rim fisheries industry chain, to develop a sanctions mechanism that can have a greater impact on Japan and restrict or ban the import of Japanese fisheries products [ 7 ].…”

“…China should actively engage in the IAEA's technical working group. Simultaneously, China could join international organizations and Pacific Rim nations in urging Japan to cease releasing nuclear waste and instead pursue alternative viable solutions [ 7 ]. China can set up an information-sharing mechanism with IAEA's technical expertise and knowledge and require Japan to disclose information on Fukushima nuclear wastewater in the principle of openness and transparency.…”

“…In this way, preventive measures can be adopted once any abnormality occurs in the radioactivity value of these waters to avoid nuclear pollution in the waters with human activities. China could join forces with Pacific Rim nations, particularly South Korea, ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand, to send experts to Japan to sample and inspect non-discharged wastewater to determine the extent of the risks [ 7 ].…”