The plan almost certainly will be carried out, but in the face of opposition both locally and internationally. China's concerns really have to do with nationalist politics rather than any scientifically grounded fear about the safety of the water. The subtext is also that Japan objects to some of China's more assertive ambitions in the region. There are loud objections in South Korea too, not from the government.
As diplomatic efforts played out in Saudi Arabia our correspondent recounts travels along the nearly unbroken front line of the war—finding frustrated but determined soldiers and exhausted, fearful civilians. We examine the row around Japan’s plan to release wastewater from the Fukushima disaster (09:21). And how rosé wine became summertime’s go-to tipple (15:39).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer