Russia warns of chemical weapons risk near border with China

Russia has raised concerns over the potential environmental and public health risks posed by chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China following World War II, saying some storage sites are located close to the Russian border.

Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia’s permanent representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said the stockpiles could pose risks to local communities and the environment if ageing munitions leak, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“They truly pose a serious threat to the population. God forbid there should be a leak—it would lead to serious soil contamination and harm to people. And for us, too, you know, this isn’t just some abstract problem. The Russian border is literally just 20 kilometres away from one of these sites," he said.

According to Tarabrin, some of the chemical weapons stockpiles left by the Imperial Japanese Army after the war are located in the city of Hunchun in Jilin Province, which borders Russia.

He also said the condition of the munitions raises concerns about possible contamination of groundwater.

Asked whether the stockpiles could pose a threat to groundwater, Tarabrin replied: “Of course. There are threats to practically everything. If a leak occurs—and it could happen, given the condition of these shells,” Tarabrin emphasised.

By Sabina Mammadli