The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on all relevant parties to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) in a report released on Tuesday.

The report outlines the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine after the IAEA delegation's visit to examine the ZNPP in southern Ukraine in early September.

In the report, the IAEA recommends that shelling on site and in its vicinity should be stopped immediately to avoid further damage to the plant and associated facilities to ensure the safety of the operating staff and maintain the physical integrity to support safe and secure operation.

The IAEA said some repairs had already been carried out or were in progress at the plant and that further work would be needed to repair all of the damage.

The team observed the presence of Russian military personnel, vehicles and equipment at various locations at the plant, including several military trucks on the ground floor of the Unit 1 and Unit 2 turbine halls and military vehicles stationed under the overpass connecting the reactor units.

Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for shelling around the plant several times since the Russian forces took control of it since March. 

A Chinese representative to the United Nations on Tuesday reiterated support for the efforts made by the IAEA and called for the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a UN Security Council briefing that China is pleased with the positive progress made by the IAEA delegation.

"We support continued presence of the IAEA experts at the ZNPP and hope that the resident experts can provide continuous, steady and professional technical support to guarantee the safety and security of the nuclear facilities," Geng said.

Geng also said China urges relevant parties to avoid all actions that endanger the safety and security of nuclear facilities and refrain from repeated tests on the edge of danger.

"We once again call on all parties to adopt a responsible approach to promote the de-escalation of the situation, work to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Ukraine, work together to build regional peace and tranquility, and jointly maintain global security and stability."

(With input from agencies)