The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday set up a new agenda item on AUKUS to address the grave concerns of the international community.

Wang Qun, Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, said on Wednesday that at China's suggestion the Board decided "by consensus and on short notice" on a new agenda item on the "transfer of nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)."

In mid-September, the U.S., the UK and Australia announced the establishment of AUKUS, under which the U.S. and the UK will assist Australia in its acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

The move fully reflects the serious concerns of the Board Members on the trilateral deal, and shows that the matter goes beyond the existing mandate of the IAEA's secretariat, said Wang.