China calls for long-term, effective monitoring of Japan's nuclear-contaminated water

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday called on the international community to enhance long-term and effective monitoring of Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.

At a regular press briefing in Beijing, spokesman Wang Wenbin responded to reports that the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water resumed after being suspended Wednesday due to a partial power outage, with several workers being injured and transported to the hospital.

"We have noticed the power outage and suspension of nuclear-contaminated water discharge. We have also noticed that more than 180,000 Japanese people submitted a petition to the Japanese government on the same day, demanding an immediate halt to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea," said Wang.

"Since the Japanese government insisted on discharging the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea in August last year, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has seen a number of safety accidents in the past eight months, including the splashing of radioactive waste water onto workers, the leakage in the nuclear-contaminated water purification system, the corrosion on the inner surface of storage tanks and the recent power outage. It has been proved time and again that the international community's doubts and concerns about the safety and legitimacy of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea are justified. The management of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water by the Tokyo Electric Power Company is far from reassuring. It is necessary for the international community to strengthen long-term and effective monitoring of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water," said the spokesman.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry urges Japan to prioritize domestic and international concerns and collaborate with relevant stakeholders on this issue.

"The discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea is of great concern to human health, the global marine environment and international public interests. We urge the Japanese side to attach great importance to domestic and international concerns and take the initiative to fully cooperate with the establishment of an independent and effective long-term international monitoring arrangement with substantive participation of its neighbors and other stakeholders so as to avoid irrevocable consequences stemming from the ocean discharge," said Wang.

China calls for long-term, effective monitoring of Japan's nuclear-contaminated water

China's Macao Special Administrative Region has seen a surge in cultural tourism, with the volume of arrivals and departures exceeding 1.8 million during the first three days of the May Day holiday, significantly boosting the local economy.

Home to historical sites, Macao celebrates its diverse cultures and local delicacies, attracting tourists from the Chinese mainland as well as international locations.

"I like the city, so this is the mix of the cultures, the European one, the Asian, and Chinese one. So, I like the city because it's also a relaxed city and I really enjoy it," said a Czech tourist.

During the holiday, specialized art performances have been held at scenic areas such as A-Ma Temple, showcasing Macao's cultural charm to visitors.

Beyond its historical figures and cultural heritage sites, various museums have become hot tourist attractions. These include the Macao Grand Prix Museum and the Macao Museum, which offer immersive environments and enable visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SAR's history and culture.

"Visiting the museum with my child helps her gain a deeper understanding of Macao's history, which is beneficial for appreciating the history of China and cultivating strong national cultural confidence," said Li Sufen, a tourist from the Chinese mainland.

Macao welcomes booming cultural tourism during May Day holiday