Japan releases radioactive water from Fukushima plant into Pacific; China imposes blanket ban seafood imports

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agricultural products exported to China, according to a statement from Chinese customs officials. South Korea's Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, announced that import bans on Fukushima fisheries and food products would persist until public concerns were alleviated.

This move comes despite the Japanese government signing off on the water release two years ago and receiving approval from the UN nuclear watchdog just last month. The release is a critical step in the complex process of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant, which was devastated by a tsunami.

Also read: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin death rumours: How World is reacting to Russian mercenary chief possible demise Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), the plant operator, reported that the water release began without any detected abnormalities in the seawater pump or surrounding facilities. China, however, remains firmly opposed to the plan, contending that the Japanese government has not adequately demonstrated the legitimacy of the water discharge.

China's foreign ministry accused Japan of acting in its own selfish interests and called for the protection of local and global populations. Also read: Japan to discharge radioactive water from Fukushima into the ocean. Explained Japan has defended the safety of the water release, citing the conclusions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which deemed its impact on people and the environment as "negligible." Tokyo criticised China for spreading "scientifically unfounded claims." The Fukushima Daiichi plant was catastrophically damaged in March 2011 following a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, resulting in the meltdowns of three of its reactors.