China has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency to properly handle Japan's plan to release treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang made the request to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at their meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministry quoted Qin as saying that China supports IAEA efforts to make new contributions to promote world peace and security. He also urged the agency to perform its duties in an objective and fair manner.
Qin expressed hope that the IAEA will properly handle the Japanese plan and safeguard the agency's authority and credibility.
Grossi reportedly said the IAEA will not agree to any activities that violate international safety standards.
China has opposed the plan, calling it a grave issue that concerns human health and safety.
Japan's government says the water will be diluted to bring down the level of radioactive tritium before being released into the ocean.