China's Xi Jinping government has been sharply critical of Japan's plan to release treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Hong Kong, a key market for Japanese food, has adopted a similar line. (Source photos by Hirofumi Yamamoto, Getty Images and Reuters)

Hong Kong becomes China's 'wolf warrior' in Fukushima water fight

City's vocal opposition to Japan's plan contrasts with past pragmatism

KENJI KAWASE and KENSAKU IHARA, Nikkei staff writers

July 11, 2023 06:00 JST

Updated on July 11, 2023 13:16 JST

HONG KONG -- China is staunchly opposing Japan's planned release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, even though the International Atomic Energy Agency has given a green light. And Beijing has an increasingly vocal ally in this battle of narratives between the Northeast Asian neighbors: Hong Kong.

The city's Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday promised his government will take "decisive action" if and when Japan starts releasing the water, stressing this would include prohibiting foods products from numerous Japanese prefectures.