TOKYO – Japan’s Prime Minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with Beijing on Monday, citing incidents of stones being hurled at diplomatic missions and schools in China, amid the controversy surrounding the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
In response to Japan’s release of cooling water from the Fukushima plant, China imposed a comprehensive ban on seafood imports from its neighboring country. Both Tokyo and the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog have affirmed the safety of the operation.
The situation has escalated, with Japanese businesses, including bakeries and aquariums, reportedly receiving thousands of harassing and at times abusive phone calls from Chinese numbers.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the situation during a press briefing, stating, “There have been numerous harassment calls believed to originate from China and instances of stones being thrown into the Japanese embassy and Japanese schools. It must be said these are regrettable.”
In response to the escalating tensions, Japan has taken measures to enhance security at its diplomatic missions and schools in China. Over the weekend, Japanese nationals residing in China were advised to maintain a low profile and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public.
Kishida noted, “We summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan today and strongly urged him to call on Chinese people to act in a calm and responsible manner.”
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with the Fukushima wastewater release serving as a focal point of contention.
