Nuclear safety, progress hailed

China's advancement of nuclear technology with a strong emphasis on safety presents an opportunity to benefit more countries in the Global South, said Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, during his recent visit to China.

"China's Global Development Initiative and the nuclear sector development have a natural compatibility," Grossi said. "Both aim to provide clean and affordable energy to as many countries as possible."

Grossi met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday.

Wang said that the IAEA is a key institution within the United Nations system, and China has always attached great importance to its cooperation with both the UN and the IAEA.

"Over the past 40 years, cooperation between the two sides has not only significantly supported the development of China's nuclear energy sector, but has also played a crucial role in advancing global nuclear governance and enhancing the well-being of all humanity," he said.

Grossi, who was on a visit to China from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of the China Atomic Energy Authority, or CAEA, acknowledged China's positive contributions to multilateral frameworks, noting that China serves as a stabilizing force amid the complex and turbulent international landscape.

In an interview with China Daily on Friday, he emphasized that nuclear safety is indispensable for nuclear energy growth. "China places significant emphasis on nuclear safety, which is not only about adhering to international norms, but also about the responsibilities shouldered by Chinese corporations and regulatory bodies."

He acknowledged relevant authorities' close collaboration with the IAEA and proactive engagement with the agency's evolving safety frameworks.

"China has a robust safety system aligned with international standards and maintained a good track record," Grossi said. "We are reassured to see that the growth of China's nuclear sector rests on a solid foundation that fully embraces these rules and works with us."

On Tuesday, Grossi visited the land-based commercial small modular reactor Linglong One, in Changjiang Li autonomous county, Hainan province. The reactor was the world's first SMR approved by the IAEA in 2016.

Grossi emphasized the promising role of emerging technologies such as SMRs, highlighting their potential significance for other developing countries.

Grossi noted that many countries in the Global South are increasingly interested in nuclear energy because of its efficiency and environmental benefits.