China Debates Salt Reserves as Japan Plans Radioactive Water Release

China Considers Salt Stockpiling as Japan's Radioactive Water Release Looms

As Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant approaches, China, the largest importer of Japanese seafood, is facing a dilemma similar to what South Korean consumers experienced – whether to stockpile salt. With China being the top destination for Japanese seafood exports, concerns over the impact of Japan's radioactive water discharge have sparked discussions about the necessity of salt reserves.

In recent years, China has held the position of Japan's primary seafood consumer, followed by Hong Kong. Despite Japan's decision to proceed with the massive discharge of contaminated water starting on the 24th of this month, China's stance remains firm in opposing the move.

Amidst these developments, questions have arisen in China regarding the need to stockpile salt and other seafood items in preparation for potential consequences. Local media, including Zhonghua News, reported that inquiries about salt stockpiling have been persistent since Japan's announcement of its radioactive water discharge plan on the 22nd. Concerns about a possible increase in seafood prices due to the release of radioactive water have added to the ongoing discussions.

Comparisons are being drawn to South Korea's response. Last month, the South Korean government released 400 tons of iodized salt into the market, leading to a more than 67% surge in domestic salt prices compared to previous years. Such occurrences have fueled questions in China's social media platforms, such as Weibo, where users are inquiring if they should follow suit and prepare for potential scenarios by stockpiling salt, similar to Korean consumers.

In response, the China Salt Industry Association emphasized that China's domestic salt production is more than sufficient to meet the demand. They argue that there is no need for China to adopt the salt stockpiling practice that South Korea undertook. Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, strongly criticized Japan's decision during a press conference on the 22nd. He condemned Japan's intent to release nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean despite serious international concerns and strong opposition, accusing Japan of jeopardizing global safety.

Wang highlighted that Japan's actions prioritize its own interests over the well-being of the global community, characterizing them as selfish and self-serving. China's Foreign Ministry has consistently criticized Japan's Fukushima nuclear water release plan over the past two years, citing violations of international law and concerns about compromising global safety standards. Suspicion lingers about the accuracy of the data regarding the treatment process and the integrity of the monitoring procedures Japan has presented.

Wang reassured the Chinese citizens that their government would take all necessary measures to ensure food safety. He expressed that if protecting the health of China's citizens requires taking additional actions, the Chinese government will not hesitate. He concluded by urging Japan to rectify its decision, engage in responsible communication with neighboring countries, and address the radioactive water disposal issue in a manner that upholds its responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has taken a decisive step. Starting from the 24th, when Japan's radioactive water release is scheduled to begin, Hong Kong announced a complete ban on seafood imports from not only Fukushima but also ten other Japanese prefectures, including Tokyo, Chiba, and Niigata. The import prohibition encompasses various forms of seafood, from fresh and frozen fish to sea salt and processed seaweed.

Recently, John Lee, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration, expressed his strong opposition to Japan's radioactive water discharge on social media platform Weibo. He announced immediate import control measures aimed at ensuring food safety and protecting citizens' health. Hong Kong's response underscores the international concern surrounding Japan's controversial decision and its potential consequences.