Chinese and French companies signed cooperative documents on Thursday in Beijing, witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, to deepen ties in nuclear energy science and technology.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the China National Nuclear Corporation and Electricite De France (EDF) on a joint prospective study for technology development and market trends, as well as a bluebook to show the countries' common ground in addressing climate change and energy issues.

A joint statement was signed between China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and EDF to deepen cooperation in research and development, design, procurement, and operation and maintenance of nuclear energy.

China and France held an event on March 29 in Beijing to commemorate the 40th anniversary of China-France nuclear science and technology cooperation.

Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at the event that both sides will promote all-round cooperation in research and development and diversified applications, and contribute to the security, innovation and sustainable development of global nuclear energy.

In the past four decades, China and France have established seven collaborative laboratories and more than 500 themed cooperative projects, and over 1,000 experts have participated in exchanges in various studies and seminars.

These involve research in fields like the aging and life management of nuclear power plants, reactor thermal hydraulics, fast reactor technology, serious accident management, and geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

Under the cooperation framework, three nuclear power plants – Daya Bay, Ling'ao and Taishan – have been built in south China's Guangdong Province since 1987 and are operated by CGN.

Cooperation between the two countries also includes on nuclear fusion technology, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is viewed as the second largest international cooperative project next to the International Space Station.

China is deeply involved in the construction of ITER's massive facility in southern France and is playing an important part in the assembly.

In addition, think tanks in both countries have joined hands in such fields as future nuclear energy technology development and international market trends, according to the CAEA.