In this June 20, 2023 photo, people protest against the Japanese government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea in Fukushima, Japan. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

TOKYO – China expressed strong dissatisfaction with Japan's initiation of the second round of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, which started on Thursday.

Despite strong opposition from the international community, Japan has unilaterally initiated the discharge of the second batch of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, persisting in transferring nuclear pollution risks to the entire world, the spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Japan said on Friday.

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The discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea concerns marine environment and human health. It is by no means solely a matter for Japan and cannot be decided by Japan alone, the spokesman added.

"We once again urge the Japanese government to heed the voices of opposition and serious concerns from within Japan and the international community.”

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The embassy spokesman called on Japan to engage in substantial consultations with neighboring countries and establish a long-term, effective international monitoring mechanism, ensuring the meaningful participation of relevant parties, including neighboring countries. 

“This should be done in a responsible manner for the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water," the spokesman added.