China releases nuclear emergency response plan

China's State Council has released a new edition of the national nuclear emergency contingency plan.

Based on the 1995 edition, the plan summarizes past cases of nuclear emergencies in China and around the world, and outlines measures to limit damage in case of a potential accident. Responsibility for pre-planning and in case of emergency is divided between national and provincial committees, as well as agencies affiliated with nuclear facilities.

The plan notably draws lessons based on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident in Japan in 2011.

Xu Ping, Deputy Director, Nat'l Nuclear Accident Emergency Office, said, "The emergency plan elaborates on the organizations and command mechanism responsible for dealing with nuclear emergencies. It comprehensively implements emergency response measures and preparedness. Compared with previous plans, the new one makes clear that in the event of a nuclear accident, immediate action will be taken by the national nuclear emergency response headquarters led by State Council."