China's nuclear safety is now under international review

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China is now under a nuclear security assessment carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The IAEA experts started the assessment today, at the request of China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

The assessment is expected to last 10 days, during which time the experts will review China's nuclear security system, laws and government supervision.

The CAEA said the agency will also visit nuclear plants in eastern China's Zhejiang Province.

The IAEA will also make suggestions for improvement after reviewing, said Wang Yiren, vice chairman of the CAEA.

New legal effort

Haiyang Unit 1 of the Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant, which passed a safety audit this month. /CAEC Photo‍

On the same day, China issued a draft law about nuclear safety, which stresses combating nuclear terrorism.

"China should carry out international exchanges and cooperation in nuclear safety to prevent and deal with the threats of nuclear terrorism," the draft said.

The new draft has been submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on Monday at the start of its bi-monthly session for the third reading.

The previous drafts were reviewed by the committee in April and last October.

Background Information

CAEA: The CAEA, which is responsible for China's international nuclear cooperation, emergency response and management, told reporters that China regards nuclear security as an important part of national security.

IAEA: The IAEA is the central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. It works to ensure safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

Nuclear power in China: China has 36 operational nuclear reactors and is building 20 more. China aims to have 58 million kilowatts of nuclear power capacity in operation and more than 30 million kilowatts under construction by the end of 2020.