China and Singapore Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry and the China Atomic Energy Authority recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, with cooperation priorities including capacity building for assessing potential nuclear energy deployment, safety assessment of nuclear reactor technology, personnel training, and nuclear technology applications.

The signing ceremony was held on August 17. Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Energy and Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Augustin Lee, and Liu Jing, Deputy Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority, signed the document on behalf of their respective sides. Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Tan See Leng, and Shan Zhongde, Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority, witnessed the signing.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry stated that the Memorandum of Understanding will support Singapore in developing independent capabilities to conduct objective and technical assessments of potential nuclear energy deployment. Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in areas including safety and technical assessment of nuclear reactor technology, manpower training and scientific visits, public education and public engagement, nuclear safety, nuclear safeguards, nuclear security, and nuclear technology applications.

This cooperation is part of Singapore's recent efforts to strengthen international nuclear energy exchanges. In addition to China, Singapore has also engaged with partners such as the United States, France, and South Korea, focusing on nuclear safety regulation, technical assessment, and capacity building.

Singapore stated that these exchanges will help prepare the country for the Phase 1 mission of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) planned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 2027. INIR reviews are typically used to assess a country's foundational conditions when considering the development of nuclear power, covering areas such as nuclear safety, legal frameworks, environmental protection, human resource development, and radioactive waste management.

Singapore has been continuously studying future energy supply options in recent years. Relevant authorities stated that they will continue to monitor international nuclear technology developments and enhance nuclear safety, regulatory, and technical assessment capabilities through cooperation with regional and international partners.