Kishida’s trip came hours after he returned home on Saturday from a summit with US and South Korean leaders at Camp David. Before leaving Washington on Friday, Kishida said it was time to decide on a date for releasing the treated water, which has not been set due to controversy surrounding the plan.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo: Reuters
Since it was announced two years ago, the plan to release the water has faced strong opposition from Japanese fishing groups. Groups in South Korea and China have also raised concerns, turning it into a political and diplomatic issue.
Japan has received support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to improve transparency and reliability and ensure its plan meets international safety standards. The Japanese government has also stepped up a campaign to promote the safety of the plan domestically and through diplomatic channels.
The IAEA, in a final report in July, concluded that the plan, if implemented as designed, would have negligible impacts on the environment and human health, and the agency encouraged Japan to proceed.
The government of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has recently expressed support for Japan's plan, but he has faced criticism at home.
In a joint press conference at Camp David, President Yoon said he supported the IAEA's safety assessment of the plan but stressed the need for transparent scrutiny by the international community.
Mr. Kishida said outreach efforts were making progress, but did not mention a start date for the water release, which many expect to be in late August.
According to Japanese reports, he is expected to meet representatives of fishing groups before his ministers decide on a release date at a meeting next week.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters, CNA)
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