Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has said he will call on China to discuss Japan's plan to release treated and diluted water into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. He wants the discussion to be based on scientific evidence.

Kishida made the remark at a news conference on Tuesday in Qatar -- the last leg of his three-nation tour of the Middle East.

The prime minister quoted the International Atomic Energy Agency as saying in its report that Japan's plan is consistent with international safety standards.

Kishida also said he wants to continue to provide the international community with thorough explanations about Japan's efforts with a high degree of transparency.