Taiwan Church News
3217 Edition
October 21 - October 27, 2013
Church Ministry News

PCT Joins NNAA To File Lawsuit Against Japanese Nuclear Power Equipment Makers

Reported by Lin Yi-ying

According to an October 14th news from Japan's Maiinichi Shinbun, about 40% of Nuclear Power Plants Equipments exported out of Japan in the past decade from 2003 to 2012 were "without going through the saftety check". More alarmingly, these uninspected equipments include those for the installation at Taiwan's fourth atomic power station, and repair works in Sweden and Brazil, according to manufacturer officials and the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association's internal documents.

This report not only stirred up an international angst, prompting Korea government to investigate immediately if there were any bribery invloved among high-profile officials' purchase from Japanese makers, such as Toshiba, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry and General Electric, but also confirmed a previous warning and plea to jointly file lawsuit against these nuclear power plant equipments makers by No Nukes Asia Actions (NNAA) during their visit to PCT in August.

Responding the plea of NNAA to file lawsuit against Japanese makers of nuclear power equipments, PCT had officially issuedpublic letter to local churches and civil non-governmental organizations encouraging PCT members, pastors and the public to sign up and support this legal action.

Rev. Lee Shiau-chon, Director of PCT Church and Society Committee, expressed the fact about Anti-Nuclear movement becomes an global trend is reflecting nuclear power was deemed as a destructive factor to world's ecology. "PCT's participation to file lawsuit across nations, together with UCCJ and KCCJ, this is our responsibility and obligation", said Rev. Lee.

Rev. Lin Wei-lien, Program Secretary of PCT Church and Society Committee, remarked that "Initially NNAA expected Pan-PacificRim countries located in earthquake zone could join together and unite as a front line at anti-nuclear action. At present stage, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and New Zealand are among the most positive countries".

Evangelist Yeh Chin-an, Program Secretary of PCT Ecumenical and International Committee, revealed that there will be an anti-nuclear mass protest during the coming 10th WCC Assembly in Busan Korea. During this assembly, PCT will work hard with thesister churches from Korea and Japan to collect more signatures to file against Japanese nuclear power equipment makers.

Translated by Peter Wolfe