China is enhancing global scientific collaboration by opening 12 state-of-the-art nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions. This initiative aims to foster international cooperation and advancement in nuclear technology research.
The newly accessible facilities include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the next-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory. These facilities cover a broad range of areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal, according to Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).
The announcement was made during a meeting organized by the CAEA on Monday, held on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) annual general conference, themed \"Share for Development.\" The event marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the IAEA.
Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, expressed at the meeting that the company aims to deepen its collaboration with the IAEA and expand international partnerships. He hopes that opening China's nuclear research facilities will contribute significantly to the global advancement of nuclear technology.
IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov praised China's notable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the fruitful, long-standing relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA. He welcomed China's decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, stating that this move will further enhance the agency's technical capacity to support its member states.
Later that evening, the CAEA and China's permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly hosted a reception to commemorate the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the IAEA. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna.
Li Song, China's permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, commented at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted nuclear energy development over the past four decades. He affirmed that China will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging international security challenges, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.
At the reception, Liu Jing, Li Song, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China's nuclear industry. Donated by China, the statue will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters alongside sculptures of other prominent figures like Polish-French physicist Marie Curie, who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Reference(s):
China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists
cgtn.com
