Chinese envoy calls for peaceful application of nuclear power, technology

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Tuesday called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote peaceful application of nuclear power and technology.

Despite enhanced global nuclear safety and security, "nuclear nonproliferation and security still faces grim situation, and the risks of nuclear terrorism cannot be ignored," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, at a UN General Assembly meeting on "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency."

Therefore, Liu said that China hopes that the IAEA will focus on promoting peaceful application of nuclear power and technology.

"China encourages the agency to actively promote technical cooperation in this area, and among others, to further assist the developing countries in enjoying the dividends of nuclear development," he said.

The envoy also called on the agency to forge a more effective and impartial safeguard regime and enhance global nuclear safety and security.

"China welcomes the efforts made by the IAEA to improve relevant international legal architecture, publish relevant guidelines and promote communication and cooperation in this area," he said.

China also hopes that the IAEA strictly abides by its mandate, continue to uphold an object and fair stance and play a constructive role in promoting peaceful solution to other regional nuclear issues through dialogues and consultations, he said.

Liu noted that "this year marks the 60th anniversary for the creation of nuclear industry in China."

"With arduous efforts for six decades, substantial achievements have been made in China's nuclear development cause. China's nuclear safety, security and emergency response capacity have been further strengthened," he said.

China will continue to maintain close cooperation with the IAEA in all aspects, and make joint contributions to realizing the objective of peaceful, safe and efficient use of nuclear power for all mankind, he said. Endi