INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TOKYO: Japan expressed its profound disappointment on Monday over numerous instances of harassing phone calls originating from China
concerning the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.As part of the process
to decommission the Fukushima plant, which experienced triple meltdowns following a potent earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 2011, Japan
commenced the release of water on Thursday
China has vehemently opposed this action.Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the primary government spokesperson, conveyed, "Numerous
unfortunate and have raised our concerns."In response to these incidents, Japan's vice foreign minister, Masataka Okano, summoned the
Chinese ambassador.Starting on Thursday, Fukushima city hall encountered calls with the country code 86, associated with China, and the
volume of such calls exceeded 200 the next day, overwhelming phone systems and disrupting city employees' regular duties, reported a city
On the same day, primary and secondary schools in the city, located 60 km (38 miles) northwest of the compromised plant, received 65 similar
calls.During one such call answered by a Chinese-speaking individual, the caller remarked, "Why are you releasing contaminated water into
the Pacific Ocean, which belongs to everyone?" according to the city official.Numerous reports from domestic media indicated that additional
municipalities, as well as hotels and restaurants, have also been targeted by such calls since the water release began.'Refrain from
speaking loudly'Japan's government has also issued a warning to its citizens about taking precautions when traveling to China
The ministry of foreign affairs advised Japanese citizens visiting or residing in China to refrain from speaking Japanese loudly and to be
vigilant of their surroundings when visiting the embassy or consulates
The ministry's statement also urged individuals to steer clear of any protests against the Fukushima water release and avoid photographing
such events.For those traveling to China, the ministry suggested sharing their itinerary and contact details with friends, family, and
employers back home.The escalating tensions risk straining economic ties between Japan and its largest trading partner, China
China's recent ban on Japanese seafood imports has impacted Japan's fishing industry, and social media discussions about boycotting
Japanese goods have gained traction.Moreover, the recovery of Chinese tourism to Japan following the resumption of group tours could be in
Debates about traveling to Japan on platforms like Weibo have garnered millions of views.(With inputs from agencies)
