SpecialCoverage - Massive quake shakes Japan - China Daily

IAEA team finds Japan nuclear plant flaws

Agencies — 02 Jun 2011 08:41:49 +0800

Japan underestimated the hazard posed by the twin disaster on March 11 to nuclear plants, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday, while praising Tokyo's response to the earthquake and tsunami as "exemplary".

New leak feared at stricken Japan plant

Agencies — 27 May 2011 08:50:35 +0800

Radioactive water appears to be leaking from a waste disposal building at Japan's Fukushima nuclear complex, operator Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said on Thursday, in a new setback to the battle to contain radiation from the crippled power plant.

Summit boost for nuclear efforts

By Wu Jiao — 23 May 2011 10:21:04 +0800

China, Japan and South Korea pledged greater efforts to ensure the safety of nuclear power and vowed to boost cooperation in disaster management, specifically through the sharing of data, at a trilateral summit on Sunday.

Trilateral summit to focus on joint disaster efforts

BY WU JIAO AND WANG CHENYAN — 21 May 2011 17:26:31 +0800

The leaders of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are expected to join their Japanese counterparts on Saturday in Tokyo for the 4th trilateral leaders' meeting.

Japan: A time to heal

China Daily — 21 May 2011 17:26:31 +0800

The fourth meeting of leaders from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) since 2008 will give China a chance to strengthen its ties with its two East Asian neighbors.

Wen to travel to Japan's disaster areas

By WANG CHENYAN — 17 May 2011 09:42:11 +0800

Premier Wen Jiabao's planned visit to Fukushima Prefecture and other quake-hit areas in Japan has attracted the attention of the nation's major media and is seen as an opportunity to improve Sino-Japanese relations.

Japan seeks to rebuild its battered tourism industry

By He Wei — 16 May 2011 09:29:14 +0800

Japan, keen to rebuild its tourism industry, is expecting the number of Chinese visitors to level off within six months after steep decreases since March, a senior official from Japan's tourism authorities said.

Chinese tourists start returning to Japan following earthquake

By Wang Chenyan — 16 May 2011 09:29:14 +0800

Japan is expected to get back on the tourist map of Chinese visitors after a temporary plunge caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Japan to help TEPCO pay victims

Agencies — 14 May 2011 11:46:07 +0800

Japan's government agreed on a plan on Friday to ensure that the operator of crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant can meet the massive costs of compensating people affected by the crisis.

Nuclear evacuees visit homes

China Daily/Agencies — 11 May 2011 09:01:01 +0800

Japan allowed people forced to evacuate from the 20-kilometer no-entry zone around the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to briefly return home on Tuesday.

Japanese politicians blast crisis response

Agencies — 07 May 2011 09:32:22 +0800

A heavyweight rival to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan from his ruling party on Friday publicly blasted the leader's handling of a nuclear crisis, as deepening rifts in the group threaten to stall policies after a March earthquake and tsunami.

TEPCO begins repairs on Japan plant

Agencies — 04 May 2011 09:02:06 +0800

Workers at Japan's crippled nuclear plant began putting up equipment on Tuesday to allow the start of repairs to its cooling systems, key to bringing reactors under control after they were badly damaged in the March 11 quake and tsunami.

No limit on TEPCO nuclear compensation

Agencies — 03 May 2011 09:38:22 +0800

Japan's government will not put a cap on the liabilities faced by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) for damages stemming from its crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said on Monday.

Nuclear safety must be our aim

By BAN KI-MOON — 29 Apr 2011 09:33:07 +0800

Twenty-five years ago, the explosion at Chernobyl cast a radioactive cloud over Europe and a shadow around the world. Today, the tragedy at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant continues to unfold, raising popular fears and difficult questions.

Japan to launch massive search for bodies

Agencies — 25 Apr 2011 11:22:42 +0800

Japan will send nearly 25,000 soldiers, backed by boats and aircraft, into its disaster zone on Monday on an intensive land-and-sea mission to recover the bodies of those killed by last month's earthquake and tsunami

Japanese cabinet approves $50b reconstruction package

Agencies — 23 Apr 2011 09:16:17 +0800

Poll shows citizens support tax hike to fund rebuilding efforts.

Japan orders evacuation around plant

Agencies — 22 Apr 2011 08:33:44 +0800

Japan declared a 20-kilometer area evacuated around its radiation-spewing nuclear power plant a no-go zone on Thursday, urging residents to abide by the order for their own safety or possibly face fines or detention.

Radioactive water pumped out of plant

Agencies — 20 Apr 2011 08:44:39 +0800

The operator of Japan's crippled nuclear plant began pumping highly radioactive water on Tuesday from the basement of one of its buildings to a makeshift storage area in a crucial step toward easing the nuclear crisis.

Fears over psychological impact of disasters

Agencies — 19 Apr 2011 08:54:01 +0800

Many more people could benefit from treatment.

Japan might need at least $100b for reconstruction

BY FU JING — 19 Apr 2011 08:54:01 +0800

Japan will listen to the world regarding rebuilding initiatives and funding resources for nuclear-stricken regions, said a top Japanese diplomat in Europe.

This is not end of nuke power

By Pierre Gadonneix — 19 Apr 2011 08:54:01 +0800

The world is holding its breath, waiting for the latest news from Japan, and hoping that there will be a "happy ending" to what has become a nightmare for the country.

Japan to fix leakage in 9 months

China Daily/Agencies — 18 Apr 2011 09:32:18 +0800

The operator of Japan's quake-hit nuclear plant said on Sunday it aims to reduce radiation leaks within three months and achieve a "cold shutdown" within six to nine months.

Japan orders compensation for nuclear plant evacuees

Agencies — 16 Apr 2011 10:03:42 +0800

TEPCO to pay 50 billion yen to about 48,000 displaced families.

Forced to leave home, Japan man kills self

Xinhua/Agencies — 15 Apr 2011 08:53:17 +0800

A 102-year-old man has killed himself in a newly declared no-go zone around Japan's crippled nuclear plant because he was depressed at having to leave his home, a report said on Thursday.

Japan's woes, world crisis

China Daily — 15 Apr 2011 08:53:17 +0800

The whole world, not just Japan, is watching how the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) handle the tsunami-stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Nature's revenge on human hubris

BY FENG ZHAOKUI — 14 Apr 2011 08:59:19 +0800

Nations should learn the lessons of Japan's triple crisis, change their security concepts and enhance cooperation

Wen urges Tokyo to provide prompt updates on crisis

China Daily/Agencies — 13 Apr 2011 08:54:02 +0800

Premier Wen Jiabao urged Japan on Tuesday to provide prompt information on the nuclear crisis and quickly implement preventive measures to alleviate the consequences on neighboring countries

Powering up for the future

By Wang Ke — 13 Apr 2011 08:54:02 +0800

Crisis at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant will have long-term effect on the development of renewable energy sources

Japan ups nuke crisis rating to highest level

Agencies — 12 Apr 2011 16:30:24 +0800

Japan raised the severity of its nuclear crisis to the highest level on Tuesday, putting it on a par with the world's worst nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in 1986 because of the amount of radiation released into the air and sea.

Strong quake rattles Japan once again

China Daily/Xinhua/Agencies — 12 Apr 2011 08:52:05 +0800

Another strong quake with a magnitude of 7.0 rattled the eastern and northeastern parts of Japan at 5:16 pm local time on Monday.

Vanishing glaciers reveal the truth

By Op Rana — 11 Apr 2011 11:11:50 +0800

For almost a month now, the world has been besieged with news of the ongoing consequences of the natural disasters in Japan and the man-made crisis in Libya.

Four dead as new tremor hits Japan

Agencies — 09 Apr 2011 09:34:58 +0800

Shoppers emptied store shelves, traffic snarled with stoplights knocked out and drivers waited in long lines to buy gasoline in a new wave of anxiety on Friday after a magnitude-7.1 aftershock struck disaster-weary northeastern Japan.

Radioactive ocean water sparks worry

By QIN JIZE — 09 Apr 2011 09:34:57 +0800

Beijing on Friday expressed its concern over Japan's massive dumping of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean from a quake-crippled nuclear plant.

Police rush to find bodies along Japan coast

Agencies — 08 Apr 2011 09:01:45 +0800

Japanese police raced on Thursday to find thousands of missing bodies before they decompose along a stretch of tsunami-pummeled coast that has been largely off-limits because of a radiation-leaking nuclear plant.

7.4-magnitude quake rattles Japan

Agencies — 08 Apr 2011 09:01:44 +0800

A major earthquake shook the northeast of Japan late on Thursday, and a tsunami warning was issued for a part of the coast already devastated by last month's massive quake and tsunami that crippled a nuclear power plant.

Seafood not affected by Japan radiation

By Jin Zhu — 08 Apr 2011 09:01:44 +0800

China's sea products will not be affected by radioactive water in the Pacific Ocean in the near future but the country still needs to keep a close eye on monitoring developments, said experts in the marine environment and fisheries.

Turn crisis into opportunity

BY LI WEI — 08 Apr 2011 09:01:44 +0800

Japan should identify its real problems, learn from wartime lessons, and reform its structures and diplomatic focuses

Dangerous water leak at Japan plant fixed

China Daily/Xinhua/Agencies — 07 Apr 2011 09:01:05 +0800

Japan stopped highly radioactive water leaking into the sea on Wednesday from a crippled nuclear plant and acknowledged it could have given more information to neighboring countries about contamination in the ocean.

Diplomacy can ease Japan's disaster pain

By Li Xing — 07 Apr 2011 09:01:05 +0800

Japan issued its annual blue book on diplomacy on schedule — on April 1 — even though the country is still struggling to emerge from the devastating effects of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the threat of nuclear radiation they created.

Radiation found in domestic vegetables

By Shan Juan and Wang Zhenghua — 07 Apr 2011 09:01:04 +0800

Minute traces of radiation ''not harmful to human health'' from the crippled Japanese nuclear plant have been detected in vegetables planted on the Chinese mainland, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday in an online statement.

Japan stops nuclear plant leak

Agencies — 06 Apr 2011 16:15:51 +0800

Japan stopped highly radioactive water leaking into the sea on Wednesday from a crippled nuclear plant while acknowledging it could have given more information to neighbouring countries about contamination to the ocean.

Japan defends radioactive dumping

Agencies — 06 Apr 2011 09:35:48 +0800

Japan defended on Tuesday its dumping of thousands of tons of massive low-level radioactive water from the crisis-hit Fukushima nuclear plant, saying the action does not violate international law

Radioactive water to pose little danger to China

BY LI YAO — 06 Apr 2011 09:35:47 +0800

Chinese authorities said on Tuesday that the country is under no immediate threat from the radioactive pollution that will result from Japan's plan to release 11,500 tons of radioactive water into the sea.

Financial Japan still stable

By Xiao Gang — 06 Apr 2011 09:35:47 +0800

Disasters in the country caused temporary turbulence but won't shake its monetary system and economic resilience

Engineers attempt to plug nuke plant leak

Agencies — 04 Apr 2011 09:07:02 +0800

Highly radioactive water was still gushing into the Pacific Ocean from Japan's tsunami-crippled nuclear plant despite efforts to stop it with a chemical substance mixed with sawdust and shredded newspaper on Sunday.

Japan FM report shows unclear policy

By Ai Yang and Wang Chenyan — 02 Apr 2011 12:55:35 +0800

The relationship between China and Japan has been improving and it is time to foster more positive public opinions, Tokyo said.

Crises open doors for cooperation

By Li Xing, Li Xiaokun and Wang Yan — 02 Apr 2011 12:55:34 +0800

China and Japan should explore opportunities for cooperation in the massive reconstruction job Japan faces in the aftermath of its triple disasters, political and opinion leaders from both countries said on Friday.

Neighbors can be good friends, too

Xinhua — 02 Apr 2011 12:55:34 +0800

China and Japan, whose historical ties have gone through ups and downs, have come closer in the face of the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11 and the radiation leaks from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Japan to take control of Tokyo Electric - media

Agencies — 01 Apr 2011 15:15:08 +0800

Japan will take control of Tokyo Electric Power Co, the operator of a stricken nuclear plant, in the face of mounting public concerns over the crisis and a huge potential compensation bill, a local newspaper reported on Friday.

Japanese PM says stricken nuclear plant must be scrapped

Xinhua — 31 Mar 2011 16:12:31 +0800

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Thursday the stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant must be scrapped.

Nuclear plant chief hospitalized

Agencies — 31 Mar 2011 09:01:33 +0800

The president of the utility that owns Japan's tsunami-damaged nuclear complex was hospitalized with hypertension as setbacks mounted at the plant

Disparate effects of disaster on Japan

By Makoto Taniguchi — 31 Mar 2011 09:01:33 +0800

The March 11 earthquake was the worst ever recorded in Japan. Along with the tsunami it caused, it has already claimed an estimated 28,000 lives and caused economic loss of 16-25 trillion yen ($192.5-300.8 billion).

Japan's nuclear crisis triggers look at safety

Agencies — 31 Mar 2011 09:01:32 +0800

Japan's nuclear crisis at the stricken Fukushima power plant will lead China to adjust its own nuclear program to increase safety, but overall goals will stay unchanged

Observatory defends lag in radiation report

BY GUO JIAXUE — 31 Mar 2011 09:01:32 +0800

Hong Kong Observatory explained on Wednesday that it waited two days to announce the detection of minute traces of iodine-131 in order to verify the finding through a follow-up test.

Blighted communities may never return home

Agencies — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:19 +0800

Tens of thousands of Japanese farmers and fishermen from areas closest to a stricken nuclear power plant are starting to face a dire possibility: They may never go home.

Grim conditions add to misery of nuclear heroes

Agencies — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:19 +0800

Biscuits and vegetable juice for breakfast, no lunch and a packet of rice with canned fish or meat for supper. No showers, no beds and virtually never a change of clothes.

Fear knows no borders

China Daily — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:19 +0800

Even thousands of kilometers from the scene of the Japanese nuclear catastrophe, we have still felt its impact.

Help in times of trouble

BY FENG ZHAOKUI — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:19 +0800

China, Japan and others should strengthen solidarity and cooperation in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

Plutonium seeps from plant

Agencies — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:18 +0800

Highly toxic plutonium is seeping from the damaged nuclear power plant in Japan's tsunami disaster zone into the soil outside, officials said on Tuesday, as the government grew frustrated by missteps in the effort to stabilize the overheated facility.

Boycott of cargos sent from Japan threatened

By Ming Yeung and George Wang — 30 Mar 2011 08:51:18 +0800

Airport ground staff unions have called on the government and the airport management to improve safety measures for staff handling cargos from Japan.

Highly radioactive water leaks from nuclear plant

Agencies — 29 Mar 2011 08:59:33 +0800

Highly radioactive water has leaked from a reactor at Japan's crippled nuclear complex, the plant's operator said on Monday

Disasters can make friends of enemies

By Sandra Lee — 29 Mar 2011 08:59:33 +0800

In 1957 I arrived in Japan as a young bride. On the trip to the military base my husband tried to shield my eyes.

'Keep an open mind on nuclear power'

By Li Xing — 29 Mar 2011 08:59:32 +0800

The world must be open-minded about the use of nuclear power as a source of clean energy despite the crisis in Japan, Tony Blair, former British prime minister, told China Daily on Monday.

Japan gov't rebukes TEPCO for misinformation

Xinhua — 28 Mar 2011 16:22:35 +0800

"The erroneous reading given by Tokyo Electric Power Co. is completely unacceptable," Edano said at a news conference.

Japan may change security policy focus

By Bao Daozu — 28 Mar 2011 09:51:50 +0800

Japan is likely to adjust its security policy to pay more attention to non-traditional security threats as a result of its natural disasters, said analysts.

Age not just a number for Japanese towns

Agencies — 26 Mar 2011 09:51:15 +0800

Many elderly people are among the 25,600 dead or missing in Japan's double disaster, including at least 1,800 people in Rikuzentakata.

Japan urges people to leave nuke plant zone

Agencies — 26 Mar 2011 09:51:15 +0800

Japan's government on Friday asked people still living within 20 to 30 km of the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant to leave voluntarily, after it earlier told them to stay indoors.

Japan plant overshadows future of nearby towns

Agencies — 25 Mar 2011 09:10:05 +0800

Millions of Tokyoites are worried about radiation in tap water or in the air, but the thousands of people living in the shadow of Japan's stricken nuclear plant have another fear: It may force them to abandon their homes for years, if not forever.

Hard blow to Japan economy

By Takeshi Miyazaki — 25 Mar 2011 09:10:05 +0800

The death toll in the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11 rose to 9,487 on Wednesday, and 15,617 people were still missing.

Lessons to be learned from Japan's tragedy

BY PATRICK LAU — 25 Mar 2011 09:10:05 +0800

When I saw how cities in northeastern Japan were devastated by the terrifying tsunami triggered by a magnitude-9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake, I never guessed that this tragedy would develop into a nuclear crisis that poses a threat to everyone on Earth.

Radiation fears hit Japanese food

By Wang Chenyan and Li Yao — 25 Mar 2011 09:10:04 +0800

Concern grows over vegetables, dairy products as well as seafood

Students delay study plans in Japan

By Li Xinzhu — 25 Mar 2011 09:10:04 +0800

Many Chinese students are putting their overseas study plans on hold to avoid possible radioactive contamination from the recent nuclear emergency in Japan.

Smoke hinders work at nuke plant

Agencies — 24 Mar 2011 09:05:27 +0800

Smoke again disrupted efforts on Wednesday to regain control of a quake-stricken Japanese nuclear plant, where engineers were close to restoring a water pump at one of the reactors.

Tokyo tap water unsafe for infants

Agencies — 24 Mar 2011 09:05:27 +0800

Tokyo on Wednesday warned that radioactive iodine over twice the safe level for infants had been detected in its tap water due to the disaster at a quake-hit nuclear plant northeast of Japan's capital.

What should we learn from Japan's triple disaster?

BY SONG SIO-CHONG — 24 Mar 2011 09:05:27 +0800

On March 11, Japan, the world's third largest economy, suffered a triple disaster; an unpredictable magnitude-9 earthquake, the ensuing tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster for which Japan appeared to have been completely unprepared.

Bans set on food imports from Japan's 5 prefectures

By ANDREA DENG — 24 Mar 2011 09:05:26 +0800

Hong Kong will ban importation and sale of a number of foods produced in five Japanese prefectures after March 11, when earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency wreaked havoc on the northeast coast of the country.

Radiation found in Tokyo water

Agencies — 23 Mar 2011 16:00:09 +0800

Radiation danger from Japan's tsunami-smashed nuclear plant loomed on Wednesday with water in Tokyo showing hazardous levels for infants and the United States becoming the first nation to block food imports.

Japan site still leaking, source unclear

Agencies — 23 Mar 2011 14:24:25 +0800

Japan's disaster-hit nuclear power plant is still emitting radiation but it is unclear where exactly at the site it is coming from, a senior UN atomic agency official said on Tuesday.

Leaving Tokyo in tears

By Simon Parry — 23 Mar 2011 09:03:24 +0800

A government crisis team from Hong Kong is heading home after helping Hong Kong citizens living in Japan to escape the nuclear power plant crisis that followed the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Radiation anxiety grows in Japan

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 15:41:12 +0800

Global anxiety rose over radiation from Japan's crippled nuclear plant even as engineers won ground in their battle to avert disaster from the world's worst atomic crisis since Chernobyl.

Nuclear power standards come under scrutiny

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:30 +0800

China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group Co, the majority owner of the Daya Bay plant near Hong Kong, is conducting safety checks on its power stations, including those under construction, following the Japan nuclear crisis.

Students rally to help out in hour of need

By Stuart Beaton — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:30 +0800

At a morning class last week at Tianjin Medical University, my students pointed out to me that I wasn't my usual happy self and asked me what was wrong.

IAEA chief says nuke crisis will be overcome

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

The UN atomic agency chief said on Monday that Japan's nuclear situation remained very serious but that he had no doubt the country would "effectively overcome" the crisis.

Teenage survivor describes 9-day ordeal

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

A teenager rescued from the rubble of Japan's monster earthquake in a rare feat of survival recounted on Monday spending nine days trapped inside the wreckage unable to alert rescuers outside.

Tourist sector takes hit from nuclear problems

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

As Japan enters its annual cherry blossom festival season, tourists are heading elsewhere, scared off by fears of radiation from a nuclear crisis that erupted hard on the heels of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Tsunami memories go back to 1933

Agencies — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

Teru Suzuki, 86, says only "destiny" kept her alive after last week's magnitude-9 earthquake triggered the third big tsunami in her lifetime to level her quiet fishing town in northeastern Japan.

People fleeing disasters nearly book up HK hotels

By Michelle Fei — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

Hong Kong ran short of hotel rooms after many of those fleeing earthquake-stricken parts of Japan flocked to the special administrative region, which many used as a stepping stone on their way to the United States and Europe.

Nuclear arms vs US interests

BY HO CHI-PING — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

The horrific earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week did not damage this nation and its people.

Japan needs to look to the future

By Handel Jones — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:29 +0800

The earthquake and tsunami have caused huge human and material losses in Japan, and the threat of nuclear radiation has added to people's woes.

Govt to push ahead nuclear power despite Japan incident

By Andrea Deng — 22 Mar 2011 08:57:28 +0800

Government officials intend to press forward with plans to increase nuclear energy into Hong Kong's power mix, despite the nuclear crisis in Japan.

Damage caused by Japan quake could be $235b

Xinhua — 21 Mar 2011 15:05:57 +0800

The damage caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan could be up to $235 billion, the World Bank said in a report on Monday.

Police: Japan death toll to top 18,000

Agencies — 21 Mar 2011 14:50:50 +0800

Police officials estimate that the toll from the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami will exceed 18,000 deaths.

FMs agree to boost nuclear safety cooperation

Agencies — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

The foreign ministers of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea(ROK) on Saturday agreed to boost cooperation on nuclear power safety and disaster preparedness.

Ritual of a bath denied to Japanese survivors

Agencies — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

Of all the day-to-day hardships suffered by survivors of Japan's tsunami, the simple everyday ritual of a bath — so important in the nation's culture — is the thing many say they miss the most.

Two reactor units under control

Agencies — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

The operator of Japan's crippled, leaking nuclear plant says two of the six reactor units are now safely under control after their fuel storage pools cooled down.

Prepare for contingencies

China Daily — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan who are dealing with the aftermath of the massive devastation wrought by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe.

Made-in-Japan label loses luster

By Li Yao and Shi Yingying — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

Supermarkets and Japanese restaurants in China have been distancing themselves from products imported from Japan.

Rush to buy salt ends with a pinch of reason

By Wang Jingqiong and Yang Yijun — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

The panic buying of salt in China triggered by fears about radiation exposure following the nuclear leak in Japan had eased by Sunday.

Ritual of a bath denied to Japanese survivors

Agencies — 21 Mar 2011 10:02:56 +0800

Of all the day-to-day hardships suffered by survivors of Japan's tsunami, the simple everyday ritual of a bath — so important in the nation's culture — is the thing many say they miss the most.

Japan steps up efforts to cool nuke plant reactors, reconnect power

Xinhua — 19 Mar 2011 15:50:08 +0800

Japan's Self-Defense Force continued early Saturday to shoot water at one of the crippled reactors at Fukushima nuclear power plant.

'Chernobyl solution' may be last resort for Japan reactors

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

A "Chernobyl solution" may be the last resort for dealing with Japan's stricken nuclear plant, but burying it in sand and concrete is a messy fix that might leave a part of the country as an off-limits radioactive sore for decades.

Courageous volunteers aim to prevent nuke disaster

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

Netizens around the world voice support for the 'Fukushima 50'.

Earthquake, tsunami evacuees too shocked to contemplate future

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

A week after their lives were turned upside down by the biggest recorded earthquake in Japan's history, many survivors are too shocked to contemplate the future.

MSF may pull team out of nuclear plant area

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

The medical aid organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) may pull its emergency team out of the area near a stricken nuclear plant in Japan if the situation escalates, Eric Ouannes, the head of its office in Japan, said on Thursday.

Survivors in Japan fending for themselves

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

Above the din of the rotor, an American helicopter crewman shouted, "What do these people need? Do they need food? Do they need medicine?''

Urgent orders from Japan prioritized

BY SHI JING — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

Earthquake-hit cities desperate to receive extra food supplies.

It's time humans heeded nature's warning

Op Rana — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:18 +0800

Of all the moving images from Japan that shocked the world on the first couple of days, one stood out for its stark contrast.

Hu offers sympathy to victims

Xinhua — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

President Hu Jintao paid a visit to the Japanese embassy in Beijing on Friday afternoon to convey condolences for the victims of last Friday's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Japan 'overwhelmed' by twin disasters

Agencies — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

Japanese authorities said on Friday they were overwhelmed by the scale of last week's twin disasters, slowing the response to the mounting nuclear crisis triggered by the earthquake and tsunami, which have left at least 17,000 people dead or missing.

Authorities try to dilute salt-buying panic

By Cheng Yingqi,Zhang Xiaominand Wu Yiyao — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

The Ministry of Commerce on Friday joined other government agencies in assuring the public of "substantial" salt reserves as panic buying prompted by radiation fears over Japan's crippled nuclear power plant continued in some Chinese cities.

Beijing hospital tests show no radiation on travelers

By Li Yao — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

The No 307 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army in the capital has been providing radiation exposure-related services to people returning from Japan since Wednesday night.

Extra flights to bring HK residents home from Japan

By Joseph li — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

Officials say radiation has not reached the city, adding there is no cause for panic.

Medical experts alleviate fears of radiation

By Andrea Deng — 19 Mar 2011 10:01:17 +0800

Medical experts stepped forward Friday to help to ease growing anxiety concerning the influence of Japan's nuclear crisis on life in the city.

Go slow for nuclear power projects

By Zhou Yan and Li Xiang — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:14 +0800

Crisis in Japan may force a reduction in the pace of China's construction plans.

Sharing the pain

By Raymond Zhou — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:14 +0800

The emotional fallout in China from Japan's disaster offers a walk down memory lane of Sino-Japanese love-hate attitudes.

'Squirrels' scamper out to quash  rumors

By Sun Li — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:14 +0800

As the ongoing crisis at Japan's quake-hit nuclear power plant stoked fears among Chinese that radioactive dust could be drifting their way, an online group of science enthusiasts geared up to quell the panic.

Choppers dump water on reactor

Agencies — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Japanese military helicopters dumped water on an overheating nuclear plant on Thursday as US officials warned the situation was deteriorating.

Foreigners leave as nuke warnings mount

Agencies — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Airline tickets sold out on Thursday and firms hired private jets to move staff out as foreign governments told their nationals to get out of Tokyo, fearing the nuclear crisis could escalate.

Is there a role for robots at stricken plant?

Agencies — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Japan may build robots to play the violin, run marathons and preside over weddings, but it has not deployed any of the machines to help repair its crippled reactors.

Quake 'shifted nation' 2.4 m east

Agencies — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

The massive earthquake that devastated northeastern Japan has shifted the country more than 2 meters away from the neighboring Korean Peninsula, scientists said.

Reaching out to others in times of crisis

By Li Xing — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

No horror film can match the news from Japan this week: the devastating earthquake, the deadly tsunami, and the unfolding nuclear crisis.

Irrational salt buying

China Daily — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

It is absolutely right and timely for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to issue a notice on Thursday to calm the panic buying of salt and salt-related foods because of residents' fears that the nuclear crisis in Japan will contaminate the salt they eat.

Japanese abroad struggle to cope

Agencies — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

The eyes of the world are on Japan's people as they struggle to cope with an unfolding disaster, but tens of thousands of Japanese expats around the globe are also deeply affected by the tragedy.

China continues aid for Japanese earthquake survivors

Xinhua - China Daily — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

China delivered 10 tons of bottled drinking water to Japan's earthquake-hit areas on Thursday in the country's latest round of relief donations sent to assist Japan's rescue and recovery efforts.

Chinese approve of relief aid to Japan

By Zhao Yinan — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Nearly 80 percent of Chinese respondents said they support the government's efforts to aid Japan despite frictions between the two Asian neighbors, a survey suggests.

Disasters hit electronic makers hard

By Shi Jing — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Don't bother with the salt and the iodine. Rather than public health in China, the emergency at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan is a far greater threat to the electronics market.

Radiation fears prompt panic buying of salt

By Wang Jingqiong and Li Xinzhu — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Worried shoppers stripped stores of salt in Beijing, Shanghai and other parts of China on Thursday in the false belief that it can guard against radiation exposure, even though any fallout from a crippled Japanese nuclear power plant is unlikely to reach the country.

Disasters, science and lunacy

By John Coulter — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

Our modern world is making our lives better each day, and we need to be aware of what allows us to progress and what retards advances.

A jolting reminder

By Fong Yun-Wah — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

I am not a meteorologist. But out of my concern for climate change and environmental protection, I suggested that, since natural disasters are hard to predict, the best way to survive is to be prepared for the worst.

A lesson for the world

By Thomas Chan — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:13 +0800

What can Hong Kong learn from the multiple crises (earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant meltdowns) unfolding in Fukushima, Japan?

Chow dispels salt rumors

By Guo Jiaxue and Andrea Deng — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:12 +0800

Secretary for Food and Health York Chow has moved to dismiss rumors, saying that the Japanese radiation leak will not contaminate salt supplies and that there is no need for panic buying of salt.

HK citizens urged to leave Japan

By Guo Jiaxue — 18 Mar 2011 10:03:12 +0800

The government on Thursday issued an official advisory calling for Hong Kong citizens in Tokyo to leave as Japan's nuclear crisis worsened.

Japan grapples with multiple woes amid global concerns

Xinhua — 17 Mar 2011 16:04:59 +0800

Japan continued its frantic efforts Thursday to contain a worsening nuclear crisis and carry out disaster relief.

Helicopters dump water to cool reactor in Japan

Xinhua — 17 Mar 2011 14:31:49 +0800

Japan's Self-Defense Force are dumping water on the damaged No 3 reactor by helicopter following the plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) failing to cool it sufficiently on Wednesday and Thursday.

Calm amid chaos

By Xu Lin — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:19 +0800

As Japan's quake crisis deepens, Chinese students and workers in the affected areas recount the help extended to them and the fortitude exhibited by the Japanese.

Obama: Crisis won't alter stance on nuclear power

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday defended the use of nuclear energy despite the calamity in Japan where a nuclear power plant leaked radiation in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Fake text messages spark concern

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Fake text messages warning people that radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant had leaked beyond Japan have caused concern across Asia.

Japan's neighbors monitor shipments

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Japan's neighbors have ordered strengthened radiation monitoring of shipments from Japan, but said they don't foresee their countries having any immediate effects of contamination from the Japanese nuclear crisis.

Snow hinders rescuers, adds to survivors' woes

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Heavy snow blanketed Japan's devastated northeast on Wednesday, hindering rescue workers and adding to the woes of the few, mainly elderly, residents who remained in the area worst hit by last week's massive earthquake and tsunami.

Thriving city or ghost town? Crisis transforms Tokyo

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Areas of Tokyo usually packed with office workers crammed into sushi restaurants and noodle shops were eerily quiet. Many schools were closed. Companies allowed workers to stay home. Long waits formed at airports.

What are the implications of the blast at Fukushima Daiichi plant?

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Japan's nuclear crisis worsened on Wednesday, with workers ordered to withdraw briefly from the stricken power plant after radiation levels spiked, just hours after smoke was seen rising from the quake-crippled nuclear facility.

Japan's nuclear grief

China Daily — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Japan's nuclear woes, caused by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, are evolving into a worrying international crisis, threatening the lives of Japanese people and other nationals in the country.

Europe should diversify energy supply strategy, experts say

BY FU JING — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Europe should learn from the nuclear crisis in Japan by diversifying its energy supply strategy and making full use of renewable sources, experts said.

Emergency kits become hot following deadly quakes

By Li Yao and Li Wenfang — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Since the devastating earthquake struck Japan this past week, online sales of earthquake kits have seen a sharp increase among Chinese consumers.

FAQ for radiation

By Jiang Xueqing and Shan Juan — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

The Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan is leaking radiation, and that sounds scary. Will it kill a lot of people?

Monks pray for victims in quake-hit regions

BY ZHAO YINAN AND HE DAN — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

More than 500 Buddhists gathered in Beijing on Wednesday, chanting prayers and donating money to the victims killed in Japan's massive earthquake and the ensuing tsunami.

Radiation fears boost iodine tablet sales

By Bao Daozu — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Some Chinese are buying iodine tablets to protect themselves against possible radioactive contamination resulting from the escalating nuclear emergency in Japan.

Tighter checks on travelers, imports from Japan

China Daily/Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

Shanghai authorities have ordered tighter radiation checks on imports from Japan, including food and cargo, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday. Travelers arriving from Japan will also be closely checked.

A tale of Japan's nuclear morality

By Brahma Chellaney — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

The troubles of Fukushima nuclear-power plant — and other reactors — in northeast Japan have dealt a severe blow to the global nuclear industry

Rethinking the nuclear power

BY VIOLETTA YAU — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:18 +0800

The world is mourning the devastation and deaths wrought by a frightening earthquake and tsunami that smashed Japan with heart rending fury.

Situation may be 'out of control'

Agencies — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:17 +0800

Japan's nuclear crisis appeared to be spinning out of control on Wednesday after workers withdrew briefly from a stricken power plant because of surging radiation levels and a helicopter failed to drop water on the most troubled reactor.

Approvals halted for new nuclear plants

By Liu Yiyu — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:17 +0800

China will suspend approval of new nuclear power stations and assess all nuclear projects, including those under construction, in the wake of the Japan crisis, the State Council said on Wednesday.

Spotlight reveals concerns over safety

By Hu Yinan and Jin Zhu — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:17 +0800

Fukushima prompts review of standards

Japan nuclear disaster no threat to HK

BY GUO JIAXUE — 17 Mar 2011 09:12:17 +0800

A full package of measures was in operation in Hong Kong on Wednesday to cope with the effect of Japan's nuclear crisis, including additional information meant to quell the spate of false rumors that has risen up.

Chinese airlines prepare for passenger rush from Japan

XInhua — 16 Mar 2011 15:30:17 +0800

Chinese airline companies put on additional flights to Japan Wednesday in the wake of the government's decision to evacuate citizens from areas worst hit by last week's earthquake and tsunami and affected by nuclear leakages.

Japan suspends work at stricken nuclear plant

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 15:27:47 +0800

Japan suspended operations to keep its stricken nuclear plant from melting down Wednesday after surging radiation made it too dangerous to stay.

New reactor fire as Japan works to contain threat

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 10:43:47 +0800

A fire broke out at a nuclear reactor again Wednesday, a day after the power plant emitted a burst of radiation that panicked an already edgy Japan and left the government struggling to contain a spiraling crisis caused by last week's earthquake and tsunami.

Evacuation, confinement and iodine help protect against nuclear fallout

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:51 +0800

Evacuation, temporary shelter and iodine pills are the chief weapons for protecting civilians against nuclear fallout, experts say.

Could nuclear cloud cross Pacific Ocean?

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Winds are dispersing radioactive material from Japan's quake-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant over the Pacific Ocean, away from Japan and other Asian countries, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday.

Evacuation of Chinese nationals organized

China Daily/Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

The evacuation of Chinese citizens from areas in Japan worst hit by the quake, tsunami and subsequent damage to nuclear reactors, is being organized, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo said on Tuesday.

Grueling search continues

BY BAO DAOZU — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

China's 15-member international search and rescue team continued its work in the city of Ofunato in Japan's northeastern Iwate prefecture, but no survivors have been found yet.

Health experts warn over iodine rush

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Japan's nuclear crisis has sparked panic buying of iodine pills, with online bids exceeding $500 for a single packet, but health experts hosed down the hysteria and warned the pills are of limited use.

Japan radiation crisis escalates

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Japan faced a potential catastrophe on Tuesday after a quake-crippled nuclear power plant exploded and sent low levels of radiation floating toward Tokyo.

Kan furious with nuke firm chiefs' delays

Xinhua/Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Japan's prime minister was furious with executives at a power company at the center of the nuclear crisis for taking so long to inform his office about a blast at its stricken reactor complex, demanding: "What the hell is going on?"

Radiation fears spark panic purchases

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Panic swept Tokyo on Tuesday after a rise in radioactive levels around an earthquake-hit nuclear power plant north of the city, causing some to leave the capital and others to stock up on food and supplies.

Radioactivity may enter food chain, kids at risk

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Radioactive materials spewed into the air by Japan's earthquake-crippled nuclear plant may contaminate food and water resources, with children and unborn babies most at risk of possibly developing cancer.

Vice-FM: Quake, tsunami damage akin to a 'war'

BY CHENG GUANGJIN — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Makiko Kikuta said on Tuesday that the damage suffered by her nation in Friday's earthquake and tsunami was like it had "just undergone a war".

Germany to shut 7 pre-1980 nuclear plants

Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Germany will shut down all seven of its nuclear power plants that began operation before 1980 and it is unclear whether they will start up again, the government said on Tuesday.

Airlines respond to disaster

China Daily/Agencies — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Air China, the country's flagship carrier, said on Tuesday that the majority of its planes to Japan were on regular duty

China safe from radiation so far

BY WANG QIAN AND LI JING — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Officials said China will not be affected in the next three days by the rising threat of a wide dispersion of radiation from leaking reactors in Japan.

Chinese Red Cross team heads to quake-hit zone

BY HE DAN AND LI WENFANG — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

A rescue team of eight senior aid workers from China's Red Cross Society is expected to arrive in earthquake-hit Japan on Wednesday to offer its expertise in need evaluation, disaster management and international coordination.

Experts tame worries over 'supermoon'

BY CHEN XIN — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Astronomers have refuted rumors that the devastating earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan were closely related to or even caused by the "supermoon" that will appear in the sky on Saturday.

Radiation not strong enough to pose huge risk

By Shan Juan and Qiu Bo — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Chinese health experts said on Tuesday that the radiation levels recorded in Fukushima by Japanese authorities will not pose dangers to local residents nor turn them into unwitting transmitters of radioactive materials.

Can Japan and nuke-power plants coexist?

BY KEIJI TAKEUCHI — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:50 +0800

Friday's massive earthquake that ravaged Japan's northeast region led to the first-ever state of emergency issued for nuclear plants, including the evacuation of a neighborhood.

Hong Kong Observatory: No imminent threat of radiation

BY MICHELLE FEI — 16 Mar 2011 09:07:49 +0800

The Hong Kong Observatory has moved to allay fears that radiation from the disaster unfolding in Japan may pose a threat to Hong Kong.

Radiation leaps after Japan plant blasts

Agencies — 15 Mar 2011 15:15:27 +0800

Japan warned radioactive levels had become "significantly" higher around a quake-stricken nuclear power plant on Tuesday after explosions at two reactors, and the French embassy said a low-level radioactive wind could reach Tokyo within hours.

Bipartisan US nuclear push may be impeded

The New York Times/Agencies — 15 Mar 2011 09:00:29 +0800

The fragile bipartisan consensus that nuclear power offers a big piece of the answer to the US' energy and global warming challenges may have evaporated as quickly as confidence in Japan's crippled nuclear reactors.

Experts, disaster teams sent to help Japanese counterparts

Xinhua/Agencies — 15 Mar 2011 09:00:29 +0800

The White House on Sunday said the United States has sent experts in nuclear reactors to Japan, where two nuclear reactors damaged in a massive earthquake are facing meltdown.

Foreigners, wary of risk, flee Tokyo