Beijing: China has collected and brought home marine biological samples from discharge facilities at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, state media reported on Thursday. The samples have 'recently arrived in China' and are currently undergoing rigorous and independent testing and analysis by research institutions in the country. The results of these tests will be published promptly, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who addressed reporters in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Beijing's statement follows a trip to Japan by experts led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These experts collected samples from the waters surrounding the Fukushima plant. The sampling and scientific investigation were prompted by Japan's decision to release treated nuclear water into the sea, which has faced opposition from China and neighboring nations.

IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi led the experts from China, South Korea, and Switzerland to the Fukushima Daiichi plant on Wednesday. The agency stated that the seawater samples collected near the plant would be independently analyzed by IAEA, as well as labs in Japan and participating countries.

In response to Japan's actions, Beijing imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports after Tokyo began releasing treated radioactive water into the sea in August 2023. Despite this, China's Atomic Energy Authority announced last month that its tests of seawater samples collected near the plant found no negative impact on marine species.