More IAEA role in use of nuclear energy: China

Xinhua, September 20, 2011

A senior official of China'a atomic energy agency said in Vienna Monday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should play its leading role to help rebuild the confidence of the international community in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano speaks at the?IAEA annual general conference which opens Monday in Vienna and is participated by some 150 member states.

Facing new situation after Fukushima nuclear accident, IAEA, as the only intergovernmental organization in nuclear field, should play a more important role in promoting the development of peaceful use of nuclear energy, said Wang Yiren, Secretary General of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

Speaking at the opening of the IAEA annual general conference participated by some 150 member states, Wang said that the UN nuclear agency should give priority to advancing further improvement of safety standards, and their universal application, based on lessons drawn from Japan's nuclear accident.

He also stressed that IAEA should continue to provide support to developing countries in nuclear infrastructure building, drawing up nuclear energy policies, establishing regulatory system, fostering safety culture, and training highly-qualified personnel.

In summarising China' experience in nuclear energy development, Wang pointed out that the government always attaches much importance to nuclear safety and would unswervingly continue to promote the safety and efficiency of nuclear development, actively participate in relevant international cooperation and share the experience of nuclear development with other countries.

Wang also met with IAEA chief Yukiya Amano, who spoke highly of China's efforts in promoting nuclear safety.

The two exchanged views on the use of nuclear energy, the role of the IAEA in promoting nuclear safety and international cooperation in related fields.

China is willing to strengthen cooperation with IAEA in technology transfer, promoting nuclear safeguards and other fields, Wang told Amano.

During a side exhibition event of the week-long conference, Amano took time out for a visit to the Chinese booth and listened to the introduction of China's achievement in nuclear industry development.

"When I visited to China last time... , this is some my very strong impression that you are giving high priority to ensuring safety, " Amano said.