Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), spoke highly of China's nuclear law system on Monday, saying he expects the "constructive and permanent conversation" with China on nuclear energy to further deepen in the future.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the agency's first International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate, Grossi said he appreciates the "emphasis on safety" in China's nuclear law system, which covers relevant standards in production, transportation, waste and radiological protection, among others.
He noted that all these aspects are also covered in the atomic energy law that China is currently formulating.
The IAEA has maintained an "extremely constructive dialogue with China" and has kept in permanent contact with the Chinese nuclear regulator and major Chinese nuclear energy companies, the chief of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said.
"The issue of nuclear energy is of paramount importance for China," he said. "We (the IAEA and China) are here as good partners, each having its own role in supporting the other in this indispensable work."
Regarding China's development of nuclear energy, Grossi said China is one of the world's leading nuclear energy users that boast a developed nuclear industry, and the country has been developing its domestic nuclear energy sector to advance its decarbonization drive and has also been exporting relevant technologies to other countries.
The first International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate opened here on Monday has brought together lawyers and representatives of national authorities, international organizations, nuclear industry and civil society from 127 countries to discuss emerging issues and trends in nuclear law and the applicable legal frameworks.
"At this time of change and growth and increased need for nuclear energy in all its aspects, the legal side of the (nuclear) activity must also be strengthened," Grossi said.
He added that the IAEA nuclear law conference, by bringing together representatives of countries worldwide, would help "make all voices heard" and help the IAEA "take the legal normative framework forward at pace with the development of nuclear energy."
The IAEA conference, which includes forums, exhibitions and other sideline meetings, will run until Friday.
Editor: Galia
