IAEA Director General Grossi Visits China to Enhance Nuclear Collaboration
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concluded a significant visit to China aimed at strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy, safety, and development. The trip underscored China's expanding role in global nuclear governance and its commitment to peaceful nuclear advancement.
During his stay, Grossi engaged with top Chinese officials, including Dong Baotong, Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, to discuss enhancing collaboration on nuclear safety measures. He also met with Liu Zhenmin, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, emphasizing the IAEA's support for China's efforts to decarbonize its energy sector by integrating nuclear power alongside renewable sources like solar and wind.
Grossi visited major energy companies such as the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) and China Huaneng Group (CHNG), both pivotal in China's nuclear energy expansion. At CHNG, he highlighted the company's role in China's energy transition, stating, "Huaneng Group is central to China’s energy transition—showcasing the value of a diversified low-carbon energy mix including nuclear."
In meetings with Luo Zhaohui, Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Grossi discussed China's support for IAEA initiatives like Atoms4Food and Atoms4Health, which utilize nuclear technology to address global challenges in agriculture and health. They agreed to boost cooperation to bring the benefits of nuclear science to regions where it's most needed.
A new Country Programme Framework was signed between the IAEA and the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), outlining plans to strengthen education and training in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. Grossi also met with Xu Qingsen, China's Vice Minister of Education, to discuss expanding collaboration with Chinese universities to train future nuclear professionals.
At Peking University, Grossi delivered a keynote address to students at the School of International Studies, discussing the IAEA's work across energy, security, and the importance of multilateralism in addressing global issues. He expressed gratitude for China's support of the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships and internships to women pursuing STEM fields.
China, a member of the IAEA since 1984, is actively involved in approximately 100 technical cooperation projects, reflecting its commitment to leveraging nuclear technology for peaceful and developmental purposes.