[sputniknews.cn]Xu Qinhua: China is Unlikely to Copy Nuclear Development Paths of Others

The State Council Information Office released a white paper titled Nuclear Safety in China on September 3, which is the first white paper on nuclear safety published by the Chinese government. The white paper states that as of June 2019, China had 47 nuclear power units in operation, ranking the third in the world, and 11 ones under construction, ranking No.1.

Xu Qinhua considers the release of this white paper necessary. Nuclear technology is an important contribution to human’s history of energy civilization. In the present stage, China shows different characteristics of its energy demand, as well as nuclear technology and nuclear equipment and devices, from other countries. It is unlikely that China will copy nuclear development paths of other countries. Based on its existing experience in nuclear safety, China has laid a foundation for taking a unique path. With this white paper Nuclear Safety in China, China could explain to the world the status, purpose and prospects of nuclear safety in China.

With respect to China-Russia cooperation in nuclear safety, Xu pointed out that during the visit paid by President Xi Jinping to Russia this June, the two sides proposed that energy cooperation should be all-dimensional. Complementary advantages and endowments of the two countries in nuclear safety cooperation can enhance energy security on both sides. Russia possesses unique patented technologies for nuclear utilization, especially disposal of nuclear waste. Both China and Russia have made it clear that they will completely keep their commitments to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. Cooperation between the two countries in nuclear safety and their commitments are good news for the world.

According to Xu, the global community has divided into two very opposite factions in respect of nuclear energy development, one worshipping nuclear energy and the other resolutely opposing nuclear energy, with some countries, including Germany, even having completely abandoned nuclear energy. However, in the energy mix of Germany, a large part of the supply side is made up of imports from France, whose energy mix is dominated by nuclear energy.

Experts stress that China’s goal remains using renewable and recyclable clean energy in the long run. As a large country, China has an energy mix featuring a low proportion of nuclear energy, which is ill-matched with its overall energy demand, energy development and energy structure. In the white paper, the Chinese government should expound on what it has done and will do to ensure that nuclear use is 100% safe.

Xu Qinhua: Deputy Dean of National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China