Chinese envoy urges enhancement of nuclear safety

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations Monday called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to do more to enhance nuclear safety and security.

Wang Min, China's deputy representative to the UN, made the remarks at a UN General Assembly meeting on an IAEA report.

"We encourage the agency to make specific requirements to Japanese government and assist Japan in dealing with the subsequent impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident," he said, adding that the agency should also closely follow the progress, review the effect of the work, and provide updates to the international society in a timely manner.

The IAEA should "fully prepare itself for a primary role in the area of nuclear security" and make contributions to the establishment of a fair, cooperative and win-win international nuclear security architecture, the envoy added.

Reviewing the IAEA's work during the past year, Wang said that the UN nuclear agency has made substantial achievements in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, as well as nuclear safety and security.

Noting that 2014 marks the thirtieth anniversary of China's membership in the IAEA, Wang said during the past 30 years, the Chinese government has been developing nuclear energy in an efficient and safe manner, upholding the principle of placing equal emphasis on both development and security.

"China and the IAEA have conducted multi-layered and all- dimensional cooperation in various areas, which has contributed to the peaceful, broad and safe use of nuclear energy in China and around the world at large," he added.

On cooperation in nuclear energy and technology, Wang said that support and assistance should be provided to the developing countries, so that they may also enjoy the benefits brought by nuclear energy development.

"In this regard, China is willing to share the outcomes and experiences gained along this path," he said.

Meanwhile, the agency should also soundly improve the safeguards regime, as well as objectively and impartially deal with regional nuclear issues, Wang added.