TOKYO: Japan expressed its profound disappointment on Monday over numerous instances of harassing phone calls originating from China concerning the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.As part of the process to decommission the Fukushima plant, which experienced triple meltdowns following a potent earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 2011, Japan commenced the release of water on Thursday.

China has vehemently opposed this action.Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the primary government spokesperson, conveyed, "Numerous harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are currently taking place in Japan… These developments are exceedingly unfortunate and have raised our concerns."In response to these incidents, Japan's vice foreign minister, Masataka Okano, summoned the Chinese ambassador.Starting on Thursday, Fukushima city hall encountered calls with the country code 86, associated with China, and the volume of such calls exceeded 200 the next day, overwhelming phone systems and disrupting city employees' regular duties, reported a city official.

On the same day, primary and secondary schools in the city, located 60 km (38 miles) northwest of the compromised plant, received 65 similar calls.During one such call answered by a Chinese-speaking individual, the caller remarked, "Why are you releasing contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean, which belongs to everyone?" according to the city official.Numerous reports from domestic media indicated that additional municipalities, as well as hotels and restaurants, have also been targeted by such calls since the water release began.'Refrain from speaking loudly'Japan's government has also issued a warning to its citizens about taking precautions when traveling to China.

The ministry of foreign affairs advised Japanese citizens visiting or residing in China to refrain from speaking Japanese loudly and to be vigilant of their surroundings when visiting the embassy or consulates.

The ministry's statement also urged individuals to steer clear of any protests against the Fukushima water release and avoid photographing such events.For those traveling to China, the ministry suggested sharing their itinerary and contact details with friends, family, and employers back home.The escalating tensions risk straining economic ties between Japan and its largest trading partner, China.

China's recent ban on Japanese seafood imports has impacted Japan's fishing industry, and social media discussions about boycotting Japanese goods have gained traction.Moreover, the recovery of Chinese tourism to Japan following the resumption of group tours could be in jeopardy.

Debates about traveling to Japan on platforms like Weibo have garnered millions of views.(With inputs from agencies)