Mr. President,

I thank Director General Mr. Rafael Marian Grossi for his report on the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Over the past year, the Agency has carried out tremendous work in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and application of nuclear technology, safeguarding international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and strengthening global nuclear safety and security in accordance with its statutory mandate. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Director General's efforts in promoting the unique advantage of nuclear technology, the Agency has been actively assisting its member states in combating the disease. The Chinese side would like to express its appreciation for all the efforts made by the Agency and the Director General in this regard.

Mr. President,

Development of nuclear energy and application of nuclear technology are of great significance to promoting the diversification of energy supply, protecting environment, and tackling climate change. They also play important roles in ensuring stable energy supply and promoting business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security challenges are still severe, nuclear terrorist threat is still pressing. In that context, the Agency still has much to do. Next year will mark the tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Strengthening the Agency's work in related areas is also conducive to promoting the conference to reach positive outcome. China would like to propose several suggestions on the Agency's work:

First, to promote the shared benefits of nuclear energy. The Agency should continue to support its member states in their development of nuclear energy and technology, and provide more technical and financial assistance to the developing counties, so as to facilitate the realization of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Chinese side also supports the agency to make use of its technology advantage to help its member states, especially the developing countries, to enhance their capacity in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with its mandate. Meanwhile, the international community should jointly oppose the actions of certain countries to politicize the international cooperation of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, or attempts to serve their purpose of big power competition and geopolitical game.

Second, to safeguard the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Agency should continue improving the safeguards system. The universality of the comprehensive safeguards agreement and the Additional Protocol should be continuously promoted and the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards system should be further enhanced on the basis of impartiality and objectiveness. The Agency should also continue to develop the Nuclear Safety Standards and Nuclear Security Guidelines and facilitate experience sharing, in order to strengthen the nuclear safety and security capacity of its member states.

Third, to facilitate the political and diplomatic settlement of hot-spot nuclear issues. The Agency should continue to play an constructive role in this regard according to its mandate and in an impartial and objective manner. The Chinese side appreciates the Agency's efforts in verifying and monitoring Iran's implementation of the JCPOA in light of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 as well as its interactions with Iran to address safeguards issues.

Mr President,

The Chinese government firmly supports the efforts of the Director General and the secretariat and pledged at the earliest opportunity to donate testing equipment and medical supplies worth 2 million dollars. By consistently following the sensible, coordinated and balanced approach to nuclear security and adhering to the "Safety First" principle, China has been actively promoting the safe and efficient development of nuclear energy. The Chinese side is willing to further deepen all-round cooperation with the Agency so that the peaceful uses of nuclear energy will deliver more benefits to the mankind. The Chinese side will work with the international community to uphold the vision of a community of shared future for humankind, foster unity and cooperation, and make unremitting efforts towards the joint cause of Atoms for Peace and Development.

Thank you, Mr. President.