CHINA TOPIX

11/02/2024 01:18:17 pm

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China Unveils Nuclear Security Policy at Hague Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on other nations to ensure the safety of nuclear materials even as they pursue its development for the progress of humanity.

Speaking  at the two-day Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Hague, Xi unveiled China's approach in promoting nuclear security, stressing that nuclear energy will not bring real development if it is pursued at the expense of security.

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The Chinese leader urged fellow countries to abide by their responsibilities set under international legal instruments concerning nuclear security, and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"While addressing the importance of countries honoring their international obligations, we should respect their right to adopt nuclear security policies and measures best suited to their specific conditions," Xi said.

He adds that all nations should give importance to an independent and collaborative approach and establish a universal nuclear security under a winnable cooperative process.

President Xi and 49 other leaders from various nations, including international organizations, gathered in Hague for a two-day summit on preventing the spread of nuclear terrorism all over the world.

The Nuclear Security Summit seeks to reduce the proliferation of hazardous nuclear materials, improve security measures for all nuclear & radioactive materials, and set up mechanisms for an international cooperation.

The NSS has become an important forum on nuclear safety and security since it  started in Washington in 2010, followed by a second summit in Seoul, South Korea in 2012.

President Xi further highlighted that nuclear security is a global task and says, "We should strengthen exchanges to learn from each other and share experience, and improve coordination between the relevant multilateral mechanisms and initiatives." He adds that risks in security should be addressed at its roots.

Under Mr. Xi's proposed formula, to become effective in eliminating the risks of nuclear security and nuclear proliferation, the world should first improve policies and measures; develop modern, low-risk nuclear energy technology; engage in an effective process of balanced supply and demand of all nuclear materials; further strengthen the non-proliferation initiatives; and the promotion of a global cooperation versus nuclear terrorism.

"China gives top priority to nuclear security in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In the last 50 years since China discovered nuclear energy, it has maintained a good record with regards to nuclear security," Xi said.

China continues to tighten measures on nuclear security, further improving support technology and enhancing its emergency response. China is also conducting comprehensive nuclear security measures on all of its nuclear facilities in the country.

The Chinese leader assured other nations that China will maintain efforts to improve its nuclear security programs, assist in building an international security system, actively participate and engage in efforts of peace and stability by supporting and promoting global cooperation.

CHINA WELCOMES US-JAPAN DEAL ON EXCESS NUCLEAR MATERIAL

On the sidelines of the 3rd Nuclear Security Summit, US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to downgrade and dispose hundreds of kilograms (pounds) of Japan's nuclear waste and radioactive materials.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China welcomed the deal and expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the United States to gather and "collect sensitive nuclear materials from overseas."

Under the agreement, Japan will turn over all its excess nuclear and radioactive materials to the U.S. for downgrading and proper disposal.

China has openly expressed its concern over Japan's possession of excess plutonium beyond its current needs.

Japan is the only country in the world ever attacked with atomic bombs to end the Pacific side of World War II. Since the destruction of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan maintains it will never obtain nuclear weapons.

Japan maintains several nuclear-powered plants to fuel its economy, but all its nuclear power plants have been shut down over safety concerns after the meltdown of a nuclear power plant in March 2011 during the Northeast Japan earthquake and tsunami. 

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