Page 14 - Islands Business June 2023

We Say

Fukushima tanks
FUKUSHIMA ISSUE SHOWS PACIFIC

ISLANDS FORUM CRACKS

By Nic Maclellan been mounting an active public relations campaign to justify
the planned ocean dumping of treated nuclear wastewater.
Since 2021, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has been So why are Pacific leaders so careless in their diplomacy,
engaged in slow but steady diplomacy to delay and ultimately undercutting the Forum’s diplomatic pressure and the ongoing
halt the planned ocean dumping of treated radioactive waste- scientific dialogue conducted by the Forum’s independent sci-
water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor in Japan. entific panel? Japan is a major trade, aid and security partner
But this effort is being undercut by some Pacific leaders, as to many Forum member countries - are the domestic interests
they bow to Japanese diplomatic pressure and endorse the of sovereign states trumping regional solidarity?
proposed ocean dumping plan. In a speech on 8 June in Apia, Forum Secretary General
This month, President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. was Henry Puna reflected the recent divisions within the key
welcomed to Japan for meetings with Japanese Minister regional organisation. He diplomatically suggested that key
Fumio Kishida. With support from the Tokyo Electric Power partners are playing divide and rule, undercutting regional
Company (TEPCO), Whipps toured the stricken reactor site at unity around the key objectives of the 2050 Strategy for a
Fukushima, coming away with words that delighted his Japa- Blue Pacific Continent.
nese hosts: “I could see firsthand and confirm the meticulous “We continue to navigate and manage unprecedented levels
efforts that scientists and experts have been making to ensure of partner interest in our region,” said Puna. “Strategic and
the safety of ALPS treated water.” geopolitical interests, that seek to influence and shape our
According to the Japanese government, “President Whipps futures for us. The onus is on us, as a region, to work together
stated that he was pleased to visit Japan again and that his …our solidarity as a region remains absolutely critical, in
trust in Japan in ensuring the safety of marine products and advancing our shared interests and priorities.”
the safety of ALPS treated water was further enhanced by his This solidarity, once again, is showing cracks. Despite recent
visit to Fukushima.” reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency and
Japanese authorities seized upon another statement this Japanese government that purport to greenlight ocean dump-
month by PNG Prime Minister James Marape, endorsing state- ing, the Forum’s independent scientific panel has continued
ments from past and present Japanese Prime Ministers: “I to raise concerns over the bioaccumulation of radioactive
have been advised by both leaders that the release of the isotopes in the marine environment, arguing the impact of
water is being conducted in accordance with all standards - long-term, low-dose exposure to radionuclides is unknown and
both domestic and international - to comply with the highest the release should be delayed.
safety regulations for human health and the health of the As with climate change, WE SAY that island leaders need to
environment.” listen to the science around the ocean dumping of contami-
After furious reaction in Papua New Guinea, Marape back- nated wastewater. This year’s summit in Cook Islands will
tracked on the statement, telling Parliament: “My statement discuss many topics that divide regional opinion - from AUKUS
was misconceived or misplaced in the sense was there’s no nuclear submarines to deep sea mining and self-determination
unilateral clearance for [Japan] to discharge any nuclear in West Papua. Our leaders need to work together, in action at
waste. The discharge of untested, unsafe nuclear waste into as well as in their communiqués.
our waters is not something we want in PNG waters or Pacific
waters.” nicmaclellan@optusnet.com.au
For months, the Japanese government and TEPCO have

14 Islands Business, June 2023