Mr. Chairman,
Promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy is one of the essential objectives of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, and an inalienable right of all the parties.
Development and utilization of nuclear energy is one of the human's greatest science and technology achievements during the 20th century. Since the beginning of the 21st century, nuclear energy has being making further great contribution to coping with climatic changes and ensuring energy security. The nuclear accident at Fukushima in 2011 has made a negative impact on international nuclear energy development; however, as an effective energy form to address global energy shortage and climatic changes, nuclear energy will remain a significant option in many countries’ energy mix for the long-term perspective. The international community should sum up experiences and lessons learned from this accident earnestly, enhance nuclear safety continuously and promote safe development of nuclear energy.
Mr. Chairman,
In accordance with the duties enshrined in the Statute, the International Atomic Energy Agency carries out work in fields of nuclear power development and nuclear technology application actively. Through technical cooperation, peer review services and etc., the IAEA offers guidance for its member states to launch their nuclear power plans, provides technical support and consultation for safe operation of nuclear power plants under construction, and actively promotes applications of nuclear technologies in fields like human health, food and agriculture, water resources and environmental protection and so on. These efforts are fully affirmed by its member states. China expresses appreciation for the IAEA's efforts in facilitating peaceful uses of nuclear energy and calls upon member states, especially developed countries, to provide developing countries with more technical assistances.
Mr. Chairman,
Developing nuclear energy safely and efficiently, optimizing energy usage and increasing the supply of clean energy are important contents of China's energy development strategy. Now, the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in China is entering a fast-growing period. In July 2011, China Experimental Fast Reactor was connected to the grid; in August 2011, unit 2 of Phase II of the Ling Ao nuclear power plant started commercial operation. On April 8 of this year, unit 4 of the Qinshan Phase II nuclear power plant started commercial operation, which brings the total number of China's nuclear power units in operation to 15 with an installed capacity 12.53 GW. Moreover, China’s nuclear units under construction amount to 26 with an installed capacity totaling 29.24 GW. Based on current development situation, China's installed nuclear power capacity will exceed the expected 40 GW by 2020. After the Fukushima nuclear accident, China will make an appropriate adjustment to the scale of medium- and long-term nuclear development based on serious investigation and full demonstration. China will continue promoting safe, healthy and efficient development of nuclear energy unshakably.
On the other hand, China attaches great importance to applications of nuclear technologies in non-power areas. In recent years, China's nuclear technology application industry is developing fast and has established a relatively complete technological system. It is moving into a phase of large-scale and industrialization development with an annual output value exceeding a hundred billion Yuan RMB and the market prospect is very bright. China would like to share its experience in nuclear energy development with other countries under the premise of fulfilling nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Mr. Chairman,
Since 1980s, China has been carrying out fruitful cooperation in the field of nuclear energy with other countries and international organizations. China has so far signed bilateral agreements on peaceful uses of nuclear energy with 25 countries, and carried out extensive cooperation including personnel exchanges, equipment and technology acquisition, trade, and so on.
China actively supports and participates in the activities organized by the IAEA to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and carried out a lot of effective cooperation with the IAEA in various areas, including nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear security, and nuclear waste management and etc. China also provides various resources to support the IAEA’s activities to cater the needs of developing countries. In 2011, in cooperation with the IAEA, China established the International Construction Training Center of Nuclear Power Plants to jointly train talents in the field of nuclear power safe construction for developing countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Nuclear Safety is the lifeline of nuclear power development and nuclear technology applications. The Chinese government always upholds the principle of "safety first" in nuclear energy development. After the Fukushima nuclear accident, China has carried out thorough safety inspection of all nuclear facilities within its territory immediately, strengthened safety regulation of nuclear facilities in operation, conducted safety evaluation of all nuclear power plants under construction using high standards, and suspended approval of new nuclear power projects until the Nuclear Safety Planning is accomplished. In addition, China takes measures to increase investment in research and development of nuclear safety-related technologies and strengthen the capacity of nuclear safety regulation. China's nuclear energy development is making new progress with the precondition of ensuring safety.
Mr. Chairman,
Nuclear security is a key issue concerning on sustainable development of nuclear energy, social stability and public security. The Chairman Hu Jintao attended the Nuclear Security Summit twice and made important speeches, which reflect China's great emphasis on nuclear security. China has always devotes to strengthening nuclear security capacity building, strictly fulfilling its international obligations of nuclear security, conducting extensive relevant international cooperation and actively providing nuclear security assistances abroad. China stands ready to work with other countries to jointly deal with nuclear security challenges.
Mr. Chairman,
The Chinese delegation submitted a working paper entitled Peaceful uses of nuclear energy at this session of the Preparatory Committee. We hope that the elements in this working paper be fully reflected in the relevant reports of the Preparatory Committee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.