China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Thursday that it would strengthen the monitoring of nuclear pollution risks of marine aquatic products after Japan began releasing nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

An official with the ministry said that the Japanese government ignored the strong doubts and objections of the international community and insisted on releasing the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water into the sea for its own selfish interests, which is extremely selfish and irresponsible.

The ministry attaches great importance to the quality and safety of aquatic products, the official said, stressing that it will strictly follow the national standard for the limited concentration of radioactive substances in aquatic products, and strengthen the monitoring of nuclear pollution risks of marine aquatic products to ensure the quality and safety of aquatic products, and safeguard the vital interests of the people.

At the same time, the ministry will pay close attention to the possible harm to China's marine fisheries caused by the discharge of Japanese nuclear contaminated water to protect the healthy development of marine fisheries.