Japan takes two-sided response to tainted water: Foreign Ministry

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday the Japanese government is responding entirely different to the dumping of toxic water in Okinawa by US forces based there compared with its attitude towards its own release of contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant, even though they both concern the discharge of tainted water.

He made the remark after Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday he has strongly protested to US forces based in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, for dumping treated water containing dangerous chemicals into the local sewage system.

"It is extremely regrettable that (US Marines) unilaterally dumped the water despite discussions still taking place between Japan and the United States on how to deal with the water," Koizumi was cited by Kyodo News as saying at a press conference.

"It seems that the Japanese side only attaches importance to the protection of its own environment, but is indifferent to the protection of the marine ecological environment globally," Wang said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire," Wang said.

While the Japanese side has the right to protest against US Marines for dumping toxic water in Okinawa, it is also responsible for listening to concerns from the international community, especially its neighbors, over its release of contaminated nuclear water, the spokesman added.

He said the Japanese side must not start its release of radioactive water before all stakeholders and related international organizations reached agreement on it based on full consultations.

"The selfish approach on issues concerning environmental protection will only end up by harming others without benefit to oneself," Wang said.