New law strengthens China's atomic energy oversight

A law aimed at promoting the development of atomic energy and ensuring its safe use was adopted on Friday by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, as it closed its latest session.

The 62-article law will take effect on Jan 15.

It is a comprehensive and foundational piece of legislation in the field of atomic energy in China, marking a milestone in the development of the legal and regulatory framework for the sector, according to a statement from the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission.

China previously enacted and implemented laws on radioactive pollution prevention and control and nuclear safety, along with a number of administrative regulations and departmental rules in the atomic energy field, initially establishing a legal and regulatory framework, the statement said.

As a responsible major country, China has also ratified several international conventions in the atomic energy field and undertaken international obligations. "The new law is to improve the legal systems and measures in the atomic energy field, align them with existing laws, and translate our country's international obligations in areas such as nuclear safety and nonproliferation into domestic legal requirements," it said.

"The new law will contribute to building a comprehensive and well-structured legal and regulatory framework for atomic energy, further enhancing the modernization of the energy governance system and governance capability," it added.

The statement also underscored that the principle of "peaceful use" is a key tenet throughout the new law. In sections regarding scientific research, the nuclear fuel cycle, utilization, and safety, the law emphasizes advancing high-quality economic development and enhancing public welfare through peaceful applications of atomic energy.

Additionally, the law calls for active, safe, and orderly development of atomic energy, supporting the use of nuclear reactors for heating, desalination, and hydrogen production, as well as the application of isotopes and radiation devices in agriculture, biology, healthcare, and environmental protection.