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Statement by Ambassador Wang Min, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN, at the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly on Agenda Item "Report of International Atomic Energy Agency"

2013-11-05 01:06
 

Mr. Chair,

The Chinese Delegation welcomes the report of Director-General Amano on IAEA's work.

Over the past year, the IAEA has been earnestly fulfilling its duties under its Charter, and made substantial achievements in such areas as peaceful use of nuclear energy, nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear safety and security. The Agency organized two international ministerial conferences on development of nuclear energy in the 21st century and on nuclear security respectively, which provided important impetus for international efforts in these regards. Meanwhile, the Agency has remained committed to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards and promoting proper settlement of regional hotspot issues. IAEA's work has been fully acknowledged by its member states.

Mr. Chair,

The Fukushima nuclear accident two years ago has prompted the international community to reflect on the development of nuclear energy. The accident sounded the alarm bell for nuclear safety. The recent reports on water leakage from the Fukushima nuclear plant are a source of concern. China follows closely the countermeasures to be adopted by Japan. We urge the Japanese side to spare no effort in minimizing the subsequent impact of the accident and provide timely, comprehensive and accurate information to the international community.

Since China is a major energy consumer, the Chinese government firmly supports the development of nuclear power. At the same time, China has always upheld the principle of "safety first" and attached great importance to nuclear safety and emergency response. China has made constant improvements to relevant laws and regulations, stepped up infrastructure development, and established a rigid supervisory and regulatory system for nuclear safety. China is also an active player in international nuclear safety cooperation. The Nuclear Safety Demonstration Center in Beijing is being built with steady progress, which will serve as a training and exchange platform for Asia and the Pacific. China has made several donations to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. China stands ready to provide help, through the platform of the IAEA, to countries that need to convert HEU to LEU in their research reactors.

Mr. Chair,

China has always actively supported the IAEA in its effort to fully and effectively fulfill its duties mandated by the IAEA Charter to promote world peace and development. China hopes that the Agency will focus on the following aspects in its future work:

First, effectively promote full implementation of the Action Plan on Nuclear Safety and the 2014-2017 Action Plan on Nuclear Security, with a view to raising global nuclear security level and restoring international confidence in nuclear energy development. We encourage the Agency to follow and monitor more closely the subsequent impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident and provide the Japanese government with necessary guidance and assistance to properly address the water leakage issue. We also hope that the Agency will steadily push forward the comprehensive review of the Fukushima nuclear accident and the response measures.

Second, continue to provide support and assistance to developing countries through IAEA technical cooperation programs to help them develop and utilize nuclear energy.

Third, make safeguards more effective and efficient while ensuring impartiality and objectivity.

Last but not least, continue to play a constructive role in addressing regional nuclear issues, and contribute to the settlement of relevant issues through dialogue.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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