China's ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, said at the Security Council's open debate on sea level rise and international peace and security on Thursday that it is extremely irresponsible for Japan to push ahead with preparations to release nuclearized water by approving the plan.

After a speech by the Japanese delegate, Zhang Jun said that the theme of the meeting was the impact of rising sea levels. It is conceivable that if the rising water is seriously contaminated by nuclear, the consequences will be even greater and the harm will be even more profound. This is an important reason for China to raise this issue and express its concern.

Mr. Zhang said Japan has confirmed it will release at least 400,000 tons of nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean in the first quarter of this year. The contaminated water from Fukushima contains more than 60 radioactive materials and is expected to be discharged for up to 30 years. Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea will seriously endanger the global Marine environment, ecosystems and the life and health of people around the world. So the issue is by no means a private one. Japan's neighbors, Pacific island countries and other stakeholders have all expressed grave concerns over Japan's wrong decision, and there are also strong opposition voices in Japan.

'It is regrettable that the Japanese side has yet to make scientific and credible explanations on key issues such as the justification of the discharge plan, the reliability of data on nuclear-contaminated water, the effectiveness of purification devices and the uncertainty of environmental impact, nor has it conducted adequate and meaningful consultations with stakeholders, including its neighbors,' Mr. Zhang said. Relevant international organizations have yet to complete their assessment of Japan's resolution plan, let alone draw specific conclusions.

Zhang Jun said that under such circumstances, the Japanese side has stuck to its own ways, forced the approval of the nuclear contaminated water discharge plan and accelerated preparations for the discharge. Such behaviour is grossly irresponsible.

Zhang said China urges Japan to face up to the legitimate concerns of all parties and not to start the plan of discharging contaminated water before reaching an agreement with neighboring stakeholders and relevant international organizations. China also calls on the international community to continue to pay close attention to this important issue. (finish)