Long Shadow Over Fukushima

23 Aug 2024 | APLN

23 August 2024

A year ago, Japan began releasing Fukushima’s treated nuclear waste water into the Pacific Ocean, sparking widespread concern about contamination. Tatsujiro Suzuki discusses the controversial release plan and suggests how to restore public trust. Joel Petersson Ivre argues that the South Korean anti-nuclear weapons movement must become more vocal in countering calls for nuclear armament.

As always, we share recent activities from our network, including analysis on India’s nuclear doctrine, Malaysia’s relations with China, Southeast Asia’s nuclear power ambition, and more.

Fukushima “Waste Water” Controversy:
The Accident Is Not Over Yet

Tatsujiro Suzuki analyses Japan’s controversial treated waste water release plan. He proposes that the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) should establish an independent organization to oversee the entire decommissioning process, explore alternative approaches to managing contaminated water, and initiate a multi-stakeholder dialogue with complete transparency for confidence building.

Read the commentary

The South Korean Anti-Nuclear Weapons Movement
Must Find Its Voice

APLN Policy Fellow Joel Petersson Ivre argues that the South Korean debate on nuclear armament needs a more vocal anti-nuclear weapons movement that can strengthen ties with political allies, build partnerships across the political spectrum, communicate the costs of developing nuclear weapons to the public, and explore alternative security solutions.

Read the commentary

Why South Korea Should Embrace the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke highlights the significance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in advancing global nuclear disarmament, urging South Korea to reconsider its position and participate in the treaty to contribute to a more secure and peaceful world.

Read the Korea Times column

APLN has over 150 members from 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Each week we feature their latest contributions
to global and regional security debates.

See all member activities

25 Years After It Was Drafted, Why India’s Nuclear Doctrine Still Remains Relevant

Manpreet Sethi, APLN Senior Research Adviser, writes for The Indian Express on India’s nuclear doctrine and argues that it stands out as a beacon of nuclear stability, even as the country’s neighbours are indulging in behaviour that encourages a cycle of hedging strategies and an arms race.

What if South Korea Got a Nuclear Bomb?

Lee Sang-Hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Sejong Institute, was quoted in The Economist, where he commented on the debate over South Korea’s nuclear option. He emphasised that the Korean Peninsula will inevitably become a much more dangerous place if South Korea goes nuclear.

Navigating Strategic Ambiguity: South Korea’s Position Post-NATO Summit

Jina Kim, Dean of Language and Diplomacy Division at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, writes for The Diplomat and points out that South Korea has an opportunity to elevate its status as a NATO partner, but this might strain relations with China and provoke retaliatory actions from Russia.

Tilting Toward Beijing? Malaysia’s Relations with China after Li Qiang’s Visit

Cheng-Chwee Kuik, Professor of International Relations at the National University of Malaysia (UKM), writes on Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Malaysia and emphasises that portraying Anwar’s Malaysia as leaning towards one side is a simplistic, black-and-white interpretation that obscures more nuanced complexities.

Is Southeast Asia’s Nuclear Power Ambition Within Reach?

Mely Caballero-Anthony, Professor of International Relations at Nanyang Technological University, co-writes a commentary with Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano, highlighting that Southeast Asian countries interested in SMRs should take a proactive role in reviewing and reshaping nuclear governance.

Zero-Tolerance Approach a Must to Curb Crimes Against Women

C Uday Bhaskar, Director of the Society for Policy Studies (SPS), New Delhi, writes for The Tribune on the Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case. He observes the stark contrast between the plight of victims in high-profile rape cases and the relief granted by the state to the accused, and urges Prime Minister Modi’s government to ensure that it can “walk the talk” when it comes to women’s safety.

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