China is following a rational, coordinated and balanced nuclear safety strategy, according to a white paper released Tuesday.
"Systematically promoting nuclear safety in an all-round way is the main purpose of China's nuclear safety strategy, which is embodied in equal emphasis on development and safety, rights and obligations, independent efforts and coordination, and symptoms and root causes," according to the white paper titled "Nuclear Safety in China."
The kernel of China's nuclear safety strategy is the "Four Emphases:"
-- Place equal emphasis on development and safety, and develop the nuclear industry in a context of guaranteed safety.
-- Place equal emphasis on rights and obligations, and promote international nuclear safety on the basis of respect for the rights and interests of all countries.
-- Place equal emphasis on independent efforts and coordination, and seek universal nuclear safety with a mutually beneficial approach.
-- Place equal emphasis on symptoms and root causes, and comprehensively promote nuclear safety by eliminating the root causes of risk, according to the white paper.
China practices peaceful use of nuclear energy on the basis of ensuring safety, which responds to the needs of the people today and will not leave any risk or cause harm to future generations, it said, adding that this practice will guarantee the sustainable development of human civilization.
The basic principles of China's nuclear safety are putting safety first and exercising nuclear safety governance in accordance with the law, focusing on risk prevention and implementing defense-in-depth, ensuring clear lines of responsibility and independent regulation, and practicing strict management and providing comprehensive guarantees, the white paper said.
"We should establish the concept that safety is of the utmost importance and ensure that nuclear safety is the paramount consideration in decision-making," it said.
The country will continue to improve the system of laws and regulations on nuclear safety, and ensure that nuclear energy is developed and utilized in accordance with laws, it said.
It noted that the country should concentrate its efforts on eliminating potential risks and preventing nuclear accidents through mature design, high-quality construction, and sound operational management.
"Following the principle of defense-in-depth, we set up multiple barriers and multiple forms of protection, and strengthen the integrity, independence, and effectiveness of preventative measures," according to the white paper.
To ensure comprehensive nuclear safety, the country will establish a coordination mechanism for nuclear safety, improve the relevant policies and regulations, formulate and implement relevant plans, foster a nuclear safety culture, and strengthen resource allocation and capacity building, according to the white paper.
