Dong Baotong, Director of the National Nuclear Safety Administration: China's nuclear safety level remains among the top internationally, and during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the number of operating nuclear power units in China will rank first in the world

The State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on August 13 themed "Starting the '15th Five-Year Plan' with a Strong Beginning," introducing the progress of comprehensively advancing the construction of a Beautiful China.

Dong Baotong, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment and Director of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, stated at the conference that ecological environment safety encompasses several key aspects, including ecological security, nuclear safety, and environmental risk prevention and control. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment serves as the lead coordinating body for both the national ecological security work coordination mechanism and the nuclear safety work coordination mechanism. Over the years, together with relevant departments, we have actively responded to various risks and challenges, effectively safeguarding the bottom line of ecological environment safety.

In the area of nuclear safety, we have consolidated the primary responsibility of nuclear facility operators, implemented the requirements of "absolute responsibility, highest standards, systematic operation, and experience feedback," and adhered to strict standards, forward-looking prevention, and early detection and resolution of issues. China's nuclear facilities have generally maintained safe and stable operation, with nuclear safety levels remaining among the top internationally. No nuclear events or accidents at Level 2 or above on the International Nuclear Event Scale have occurred, earning high recognition from the international community. Radioactive sources and radiation facilities remain safe, stable, and under control. These achievements have been made against the backdrop of rapid nuclear power development in China, which is truly commendable. In terms of environmental risk prevention and control, the number of environmental emergencies during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period decreased by half compared to the "13th Five-Year Plan" period, with an overall improving trend.

During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, in the face of new circumstances and tasks, we have formulated plans such as the ecological protection "15th Five-Year Plan," defining work objectives, key tasks, and specific measures. The next step is to implement these plans solidly and thoroughly.

In the area of nuclear safety, during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the number of operating nuclear power units in China will rank first in the world. Currently, China ranks first globally in units under construction and second in units in operation. The number of units that have obtained operating licenses has reached 65, and by 2030 it will approach 100, making China the world's largest. The task of ensuring high-level nuclear safety will become even more demanding. We will continue to implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, build a rigorous nuclear safety responsibility system, and promote high-standard design, high-quality construction, and high-level operation of nuclear power plants. We will strengthen safety oversight of first-of-a-kind and new reactors to ensure no nuclear accidents or incidents affecting the environment or public health occur. Beyond nuclear power plants, we will also ensure full-chain safety for nuclear fusion devices, radioactive sources, nuclear fuel cycle facilities, uranium (thorium) mines and associated minerals, as well as nuclear facility decommissioning—no weak links may exist in any area. Additionally, we will strengthen nuclear safety research to understand both the "what" and the "why" of nuclear safety issues. We will further reinforce the capacity of nuclear safety regulatory forces, enhance team capabilities, and ensure that nuclear safety is guaranteed with absolute certainty.