China announced the contribution of 200,000 euros to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its technical assistance to Ukraine, in support of the IAEA's efforts to address the issue of safety and security of nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

This was announced by Li Song, Permanent Representative of China to UN and other International Organizations in Vienna, at the Board of Governors meeting of IAEA on Monday.

The ambassador also highlighted China's readiness to work with the IAEA to promote global development and nuclear safety and security, in line with the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.

On February 24, 2023, Chinese Foreign Ministry released a 12-point position paper on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. 

"China opposes armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities," the paper said, adding that China supports IAEA "in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities."

IAEA's attempts to reach Zaporizhzhia

At IAEA's fourth attempt, a long-delayed rotation of experts was carried out at Ukraine's Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's Grossi's announcement on March 2.

The rotation ended "an impasse that had complicated the IAEA's efforts to support nuclear safety and security during the military conflict in the country," the announcement said.

Grossi also claimed that IAEA monitors had reported more explosions near the plant, which on March 2 lost its only remaining back-up power line for the third time in less than week. He has been pressing both sides to establish a demilitarized "safe zone" around the station.

Russia has accused IAEA of disrupting the latest monthly staff rotation, which had been put back three times.

With Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of shelling it and risking a nuclear accident, IAEA monitors have been posted at the station since September.

(With input from agencies)