Shan Zhongde, Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority: China always adheres to the active, safe and orderly development of nuclear energy

On September 14, the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference was held in Vienna, Austria. Shan Zhongde, Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority, led a delegation to attend the conference and delivered a speech during the general debate.

In his speech, Shan Zhongde stated that China always adheres to the active, safe and orderly development of nuclear energy, and coordinates innovation-driven development, safe development and open cooperation. China always upholds a rational, coordinated and progressive nuclear security concept, abides by nuclear non-proliferation obligations, continues to open cooperation platforms, share development achievements, and engage in extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promoting global nuclear energy security, innovation and sustainable development through practical actions, and working together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, contributing Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength.

Shan Zhongde pointed out that China is willing to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation with the IAEA and all member states, jointly implement the four major global initiatives, and fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy of innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing. It is necessary to coordinate development and security, strengthen cooperation in research and development of advanced nuclear energy technologies, strengthen "AI+" innovative applications, promote the innovative development of nuclear energy technology, expand application scenarios, improve rules and standards, and open up new space for nuclear energy cooperation. It is necessary to firmly uphold the bottom line of safe development, implement the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Declaration on Strengthening Multilateral Partnership for Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security, share successful practices in nuclear security, share nuclear emergency assistance resources, and build a strong barrier for nuclear safety and development. It is necessary to adhere to a people-centered approach, continue to advance cooperation in nuclear medicine, radiation processing, environmental governance and other fields, help "Atoms for the Global South," and promote nuclear science and technology for the good of and benefit of the people. It is necessary to practice the four major global initiatives, uphold true multilateralism, strengthen unity and collaboration, and improve the global nuclear governance system.

During the conference, Shan Zhongde met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and heads of nuclear industry regulatory authorities from Russia, France, Pakistan, Singapore and other countries, and witnessed the signing of relevant cooperation documents. The China Atomic Energy Authority held an exhibition themed "Nuclear Innovation for the Future," organized a seminar on "Pooling Small Reactor Innovation to Create a Beautiful Nuclear Home," released a global small reactor innovation cooperation initiative, and held multiple seminars on topics including the engineering application of fusion energy, the China Atomic Energy Scholarship program, global sharing of nuclear research infrastructure, and artificial intelligence and nuclear materials research and development.

During the visit, Shan Zhongde visited the ITER Organization, inspected the construction of the tokamak device under the ITER project, and visited the residence of the CNNC Engineering Consortium to express appreciation to Chinese frontline workers participating in the ITER project construction.

It is reported that the annual IAEA General Conference is the most important meeting of the agency, an important stage for governments to present nuclear energy policies and propositions and participate in global governance in the nuclear field, and also an important platform for nuclear-related enterprises, research institutes and relevant international organizations of various countries to showcase their capabilities, carry out bilateral and multilateral exchanges and cooperation, and enhance international influence. Nearly 4,000 representatives from more than 180 countries and relevant international organizations around the world attended this conference.