On September 17, Kyodo quoted a source as saying that Beijing is closely monitoring the behavior of Japanese citizens after Tokyo decided to dump waste in Fukushima.
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| Relations between China and Japan are taking a turn for the worse after Tokyo decided to release treated wastewater from the reactor of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (Source: Kyodo) |
Beijing is investigating the background of individuals involved in the waste disposal negotiations, according to the source. At the same time, the country is amending the Counter-Espionage Law, which took effect in July, and expanding the scope of activities that constitute espionage under Chinese law.
In addition, some experts have warned that security forces could arrest Japanese citizens living in China, especially as President Xi Jinping's administration has become increasingly wary of foreigners' activities there. There are currently more than 100,000 Japanese living, studying and working in China.
Previously, in April 2023, Japan decided to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean “for about two years”. The government of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio gave the green light for this decision on August 24.
However, this move has met with strong opposition from China.
In her first press conference as Foreign Minister on September 14, Ms. Kamikawa Yoko pledged to build a “constructive and stable” relationship with Beijing as a “consistent policy” of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s government.
“Japan and China are facing many challenges and issues of concern, but it is important for Japan to say what needs to be said, call on China to act responsibly, engage in dialogue and work together to address common challenges,” she said.
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