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An aerial photo shows a facility to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater stored within the premises at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant of Tokyo Electric Power Company in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, August 24, 2023. /CFP
Japan's decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated wastewater is not only a policy misstep, but also a deep fracture in the trust between the Pacific Islands and Japan, said a scholar on Monday.
These waters aren't just geographical entities but also the lifeblood of the Pacific Islands, underpinning cultures, livelihoods and ecosystems, said Transform Aqorau, vice chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, in an article published on the website of the Pacific Islands News Association.
Beyond the immediate economic implications, the profound political ramifications of Japan's decision must also be recognized, he said.
"At a time when Japan is making strides to court the Pacific Islands, primarily due to the escalating geopolitical rivalry in the region, this move stands as a stark contradiction to their diplomatic efforts."
The Pacific is not merely a vast expanse of water; it is a repository of the dreams, struggles and hopes of its inhabitants, he said. The decision, regardless of its "recycled" label, sends a clear message about how Japan values these relationships in the broader schema of national interests, and raises questions about the genuineness of Japan's commitment to its Pacific neighbors, said Aqorau.
It is not just an "environment concern," but also "a dent in the armor of trust and camaraderie," said Aqorau, noting that the repercussions will likely echo for years to come.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466