The 30th meeting of the China-Russia Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues was held in Beijing.

On July 24, the 30th meeting of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues—held under the mechanism of regular meetings between Chinese and Russian heads of government—took place in Beijing. The meeting was co-chaired by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

The two sides reviewed the progress of existing cooperative projects and exchanged views on the agenda for future cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. A protocol was signed at the conclusion of the meeting. According to the schedule, the next subcommittee meeting will be held in Russia in 2027.

Speaking in Beijing, Likhachev noted that both Russia and China take a long-term perspective on nuclear energy development; their cooperation encompasses not only engineering and construction but also fuel supply, fuel technology, and the development of industrial capabilities. He stated that Rosatom plans to continue localizing fuel manufacturing technologies to meet the growing demand for reactor fuel.

Regarding specific projects, cooperation includes the provision of equipment, software code, and operational readiness support for China’s CFR-600 sodium-cooled fast-neutron reactor. Likhachev also announced that Rosatom would begin supplying advanced nuclear fuel—including technology designed for an 18-month refueling cycle—to China’s VVER-1200 units and fast-neutron reactors this year.

He further mentioned that new VVER-1200 units at both the Tianwan and Xudapu nuclear power plants are expected to begin commissioning in the coming weeks, with the second new unit at each site scheduled to enter service next year.

On the subject of nuclear fusion, Likhachev noted that China possesses relevant R&D achievements and operational facilities, and that advancing joint projects would help further deepen cooperation. He also highlighted the Northern Sea Route as a key area of ​​mutual interest; the role of nuclear-powered icebreakers in developing Arctic shipping lanes is growing, and cargo shipments from China are expected to increase this year.

Public records indicate that TVEL, a Rosatom subsidiary, completed the delivery of the initial fuel load for the CFR-600 sodium-cooled pool-type fast-neutron reactor—currently under construction in Xiapu, Fujian—in 2022. In 2021, Russia’s Elemash Machine-Building Plant established a uranium fuel production line and upgraded the manufacturing facilities for fast reactor fuel assemblies. Construction of Unit 1 of the Xiapu fast reactor demonstration project began in 2017 as part of China's efforts to advance a closed nuclear fuel cycle.