—China has actively provided assistance in nuclear security and safety to other countries. China has hosted, together with the IAEA, several regional workshops on nuclear security, benefiting nearly 100 trainees from over 10 Asia-Pacific countries. China has contributed to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund to support capacity building in China and other Asian countries. China has initiated a trilateral cooperation mechanism on nuclear safety with Japan and the ROK, thus contributing to greater nuclear safety and security in the region.

Looking ahead, China will continue to adopt measures to ensure the security of its nuclear materials and facilities, and take an active part in relevant international cooperation. In particular, we will step up nuclear security efforts, tighten supervision and inspection, remove potential security hazards, enhance overall nuclear security, comply with relevant international conventions, develop supporting laws and regulations, and improve the mechanism for nuclear security management. We will build the Center of Excellence in China into a regional center for technology exchange, education and training, and facilitate its cooperation and interactions with regional counterparts in order to upgrade the level of nuclear security in the entire region. We will continue to support the IAEA's work in nuclear security, deepen our cooperation with the IAEA across the board, and contribute to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. While working on the conversion of HEU research reactors in China, we will use the experience gained to help countries with similar needs. We will share with other countries China's experience in ensuring nuclear security during major international events with a view to protecting public safety.

Dear Colleagues,

Only through close cooperation of all countries can we achieve the shared goal of nuclear security for all. In this connection, I wish to put forward the following proposals on enhancing nuclear security under the new circumstances:

First, we need to follow a scientific and sensible approach to nuclear security and boost confidence in the development of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring energy security and countering climate change. We should face up to the associated risks, draw lessons from past accidents, and take effective measures to make nuclear energy safer and more reliable and promote the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy.

Second, we need to strengthen nuclear security capacity building and live up to national responsibilities for ensuring nuclear security. We should establish and improve the legislative and regulatory system for nuclear security, build up the team for handling nuclear emergencies, increase input in R&D, and step up personnel training. We should provide the institutional guarantee for strengthening nuclear security and dealing with emergencies, the technical guarantee for improving the level of nuclear security and the human resources guarantee for enhancing nuclear security capacity.

Third, we need to deepen international exchanges and cooperation and improve nuclear security around the world. We need to promote the universality of relevant international legal instruments, and make sure that they are strictly abided by and earnestly implemented. It is important to bring into full play the role of the IAEA, promote the application of nuclear security standards and norms, and share advanced experience and practices. Active efforts should be made to provide nuclear security assistance, with a special focus on helping developing countries establish and improve the infrastructure in nuclear security and raise their technical capabilities.

Fourth, we need to take a comprehensive approach and address both the symptoms and root causes of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. We should adhere to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, follow the new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination, and use peaceful means to resolve hotspot issues and international disputes. This will help create a favorable international environment for enhancing nuclear security.

Dear Colleagues,

It is the shared goal of the international community to see nuclear energy used solely for peaceful purposes. To this end, China will continue to work for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, keep to the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, remain committed to the international nuclear non-proliferation efforts and support the right of countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Past experiences have shown that only with nuclear security and safety can we ensure the sustainable development of nuclear energy. China stands ready to deepen cooperation with the rest of the international community to enhance nuclear security worldwide and make its due contribution to building a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

Thank you!

(Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn)