Japan Resumes Ocean Discharge! 25th Batch of Nuclear Contaminated Water Released — What Impact Does It Have on China?
At 11:29 a.m. local time on October 26 (10:29 a.m. Beijing time), Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) officially commenced the 25th discharge of treated nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, marking the seventh such release in Japan’s 2026 fiscal year.
According to TEPCO’s announced schedule, this batch will continue until November 13, with approximately 7,800 tons of contaminated water planned for release, containing an estimated total of 1.4 trillion becquerels of radioactive tritium. The discharge began at 11:29 a.m. local time on October 26 (10:29 a.m. Beijing time), consistent with the previous announcement.
Just three days prior, on October 23, the 24th batch of discharges had concluded.
The 25th discharge is no longer an isolated incident but part of a sustained and routine marine pollution operation.
What are the actual implications of Fukushima’s nuclear-contaminated water discharge for China?
From ocean current dynamics, Fukushima lies on the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean. The discharged water initially moves eastward along the North Pacific Current, then flows southward via the California Current, and eventually returns westward through the North Equatorial Current, reaching China’s East and South China Seas—a process that takes years.
Arrival at Chinese waters is expected to occur over several years, during which dilution in the open ocean will progressively reduce concentrations.
In the short term, radiation levels in China’s coastal waters remain within natural background levels. Data released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment consistently show no anomalies in national marine radiation monitoring.
However, “no short-term exceedance” does not equate to zero risk. Four key concerns remain.
First, bioaccumulation through marine food chains represents the most significant long-term ecological threat.
Radioactive substances may be absorbed by plankton and transferred up the food chain, accumulating over time.
This risk does not manifest suddenly; it emerges gradually over years or decades. Scientific understanding of its full ecological consequences remains incomplete.
Second, the impact on confidence in fisheries and seafood markets.
Each new discharge cycle triggers public concern about seafood safety—not only Japanese products but also domestic coastal seafood often faces unwarranted skepticism. Fish farmers and fishermen may experience declining orders and downward pressure on prices.
Third, increased costs for China’s marine environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness.
Japan’s unilateral decision effectively shifts part of the environmental monitoring burden onto neighboring countries.
Fourth, the erosion of transboundary environmental rights and broader challenges in regional ocean governance.
By August 2023, trace amounts of radionuclides from Japan’s first discharge had theoretically reached China’s offshore waters. However, concentrations remain extremely low, and high-concentration plumes are unlikely to reach Chinese coasts.
Continuous monitoring by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment confirms that both seawater and seafood along China’s coast remain within natural background radiation levels, with no detectable abnormalities.
Currently, domestically sold seafood—sourced from local aquaculture and fisheries—is subject to regular inspections by Chinese regulatory authorities. Products passing these checks are deemed safe for consumption.
China’s response strategy remains clear: sustained diplomatic opposition, strict import controls, ongoing marine radiation monitoring, and timely public disclosure of data.
(Sources: CCTV News, Ministry of Ecology and Environment Marine Radiation Monitoring Bulletin)
Opinions expressed in this article are independent editorial interpretations for reference only.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880162608730123/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article represent those of the author.