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Summit in Fukushima?

Posted May. 13, 2011 08:21,   

한국어

The Japanese government proposed Thursday holding the fourth trilateral summit with Korea and China May 22-23 in Fukushima, which is home to the nuclear power plant that leaked radioactive materials after being hit by a tsunami generated by the March 11 earthquake. Tokyo expects that radiation fears will significantly disappear if the heads of the three countries gather where the nuclear accident occurred. Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Fukushima Wednesday not only to comfort victims of the accident but also to show the world that Fukushima has become a safe place.

Korea and Japan are highly dependent on nuclear energy and compete in the export of nuclear technology. China had led a “nuclear renaissance” before the accident at Fukushima occurred. With radioactive particles from the Fukushima plant detected in Korean skies, Korea, China and Japan realized that they are in the same boat in dealing with radioactive materials. Though the three nations have different national interests, they all need nuclear energy and must ease public distrust in nuclear safety. That said, Japan should not invite the leaders of its neighboring countries to the area still reeling from the nuclear accident.

Though miniscule amounts of radioactive materials having no impact on the human body are known to have been leaked, workers at the nuclear plant have only started entering the facility to deal with the aftermath of the accident. The Japanese government has allowed evacuees to enter their homes within 20 kilometers from the power plant to retrieve personal items, but asked them to wear protective clothing. If the summit is held in Fukushima, the leaders of the three countries might have to wear protective clothing as well. Tokyo suspended the operation of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, yet wants to promote nuclear safety by holding a major summit in Fukushima.

When it discharged radiation-tainted cooling water from the crippled nuclear plant, Tokyo gave no prior notice to Seoul and Beijing. Japan has thus failed to fulfill its basic responsibilities to its neighboring countries, which are potential victims of the nuclear accident. Tokyo is now committing a diplomatic discourtesy by inviting Korea`s and China`s leaders to the site of the accident. The Chinese government opposed Japan`s invitation by saying Premier Wen Jiabao could not be sent to a “risky zone.” What Tokyo should do is convene a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Naoto Kan in Fukushima instead of embarrassing the Korean government with the proposal of holding the tripartite summit there.

Editorial Writer Chung Sung-hee (shchung@donga.com)