Nuclear Safety: Meeting held to deepen cooperation between Asia and Europe

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The fifth seminar on the Nuclear Safety of Asia-Europe has kicked off in Beijing. It's running parallel to a Chinese international nuclear industry exhibition. The meeting aims to find common ground on challenges developing nuclear power and turning commitments into action. ZHENG YIBING reports.

A discussion on nuclear safety among Asian and European countries. Over 200 representatives have gathered to propose their ideas during the three-day talks.

LIU HUA, DIRECTOR CHINA'S NATIONAL NUCLEAR SAFETY ADMINISTRATION "As to unusual events, and exposed security breaches, we must have strict quality assurance, provide effective feedback, and achieve nuclear safety for us all."

Nuclear power is considered one of the major energies that can help the world reach its carbon emission targets by 2050, and tackle climate change. There is a prerequisite: absolute safety. Many still remember the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, triggered by a tsunami. Substantial efforts have since been made to upgrade safety measures.

DOMINIQUE OCHEM NUCLEAR COUNSELLOR, FRENCH EMBASSY IN CHINA "It was decided to reinforce all the plants, with around ten billion euros on the French fleet on the investment was decided."

The upgrading was part of efforts by the entire international community, as well as the adoption of higher safety standards for regulations.

JUAN CARLOS LENTIJO DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEP'T OF NUCLEAR SAFETY AND SECURITY, IAEA "The safety standards outline the basics of how to establish, maintain and continuously improve governmental, legal and regulatory frameworks for nuclear and radiation safety."

These ideas and practices are reflected in a parallel international Nuclear Industry Exhibition in Beijing, which runs until this weekend. The advanced, safer facilities and models of the third, fourth and futuristic generations of nuclear reactors are being demonstrated there. All have one purpose: to benefit people through stricter controls and regulation.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "As the organizer of the meeting said, all nations and people need to truly understand the importance of nuclear safety. Only through this, can we tackle challenges, and make nuclear energy better serve people and the world. ZHENG YIBING CGTN BEIJING."