China's Anger over Fukushima Water Fueled by State-Backed Disinformation

Fake news and state-backed disinformation in China are fueling anger towards Japan over its release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Reports of protests, abusive phone calls, and boycotts of Japanese products have prompted Japan to summon the Chinese ambassador and urge caution among its citizens in China. The release of the water, approved by the UN atomic watchdog, has been met with concerns and objections from several countries. China's government statements and state media have questioned the science behind the process, leading to anti-Japanese sentiment. Coordinated campaigns and misinformation on social media have amplified fears and misinformation about the wastewater release. The situation could escalate tensions between the two countries.