Japan, China and Lessons from Nuclear Leaks

More than a month after an earthquake and tsunami, Japan was still battling to contain a subsequent nuclear crisis. And low-level radioactive dust and seawater had been detected in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Responses to nuclear threats must be transparent and rational, and this disaster offers a reminder that timely, accurate and open disclosure of information is critically important for any disaster response, as well as international coordination efforts. It also helps prevent panic.

(A protester at an antinuclear power rally at the Tokyo Electric Power Company headquarters)

The Japanese government has been criticized by its own people and others in the region for a chaotic, ineffective response to the crisis. On April 6, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano admitted giving "insufficient explanations" to neighboring countries about radiation leaking into the sea.