China and Japan have reached a consensus regarding the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, ending a diplomatic dispute that lasted for two years. 

The Fukushima nuclear accident is the worst nuclear incident since the Chornobyl disaster in 1986. The International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) rated the accident a seven, denoting its maximum severity. The immediate aftermath of the accident saw radiation levels increase in seafood, water, and ocean near the nuclear plant, as well as the evacuation of 150,000 people. 

The Japanese government flooded the Fukushima plant with water following the accident to prevent further disaster; the water quickly became contaminated. Treating the contaminated water became a highly technical obstacle for the Japanese government, which stores 350 million gallons of water in 1000 tanks reaching capacity. 

Japan has been working to remove most nuclear isotopes from the water using an Advanced Liquid Processing System. Using the system, Japan has removed hazardous elements such as Cesium-137 and strontium-90 from the water.

China previously condemned the release of treated water from Japan as a “safety issue with cross-border implication” and declared that the issue is not a private matter for Japan alone. As a result, China imposed a total ban on Japanese aquatic imports. 

The two-year diplomatic spat between the two countries saw Japanese seafood exports to China decrease by 57%, from 474.8 million dollars to 203.7 million dollars. As a result of the decrease in Japanese exports to China, the United States became Japan’s biggest seafood buyer.

Japan criticized China for spreading “scientifically unfounded claims.” The International Atomic Energy Agency, which examined Japan’s plan to release the Fukushima water, said that the plan was up to international standards and would not cause damage to the environment. 

The new agreement between China and Japan establishes a long-term monitoring structure and allows stakeholders to test collected water samples independently. However, the deal does not immediately change China’s ban on Japanese aquatic imports. 

In a press conference on September 20, China’s foreign ministry said the country is still opposed to Japan’s “unauthorized discharge into the sea.” Nevertheless, the new agreement will ensure Japan fulfills its international law obligations. 

Although the UN’s nuclear watchdog declares that Japan’s release of the water is safe, other countries like the Marshall Islands and Tahiti are still concerned about Japan’s plan. Additionally, South Korea has seen public protests over the plan. 

Japan argues that the release of the treated water is necessary for safety and to make room for other operations at the Fukushima nuclear plant, which was permanently shut down on April 19, 2012.