China vowed Thursday to strengthen radiation monitoring in its sea areas following the release by Japan of treated radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.
China's Ecology and Environment Ministry, which oversees a unit in charge of nuclear safety, called Japan's water discharge "extremely selfish and irresponsible" as it "puts its own interests above the well-being of humanity."
In a statement, the ministry urged Tokyo to heed the voice of the international community, conduct the disposal of the water in a scientific, safe and transparent manner, and accept strict international supervision.
It pledged to track and evaluate the possible impact of Japan's water release to "safeguard our national interests and people's health."
In Hong Kong, about 30 demonstrators protested the water discharge in a rally held in front of the Japanese Consulate General, with participants saying Japan is "selfish" and that "the ocean belongs to all world."
