China joins nuclear watchdog to test Japan's nuclear waste

ISTANBUL

China on Monday joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to sample seawater near Fukushima's damaged nuclear complex following treated radioactive water was released.

The team is in Japan until Oct. 23 to verify the country's marine monitoring due to safety concerns regarding the August water release, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The team will also collect samples of seabed sediment and fish to compare tritium and other radioactive substance levels with those from last year, according to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).

The IAEA-nominated experts from China, South Korea, and Canada are anticipated to monitor the “transparency” of Japan's marine monitoring endeavors.

Tokyo began releasing the treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Aug. 24, triggering severe reaction from China, and opposition parties in South Korea and the Solomon Islands.

Beijing has imposed a blanket ban on seafood imports from Japan.

The second stage of release will continue until Oct. 23, which started earlier this month.