Mr. Chairman,

In recent years, quite a number of initiatives on the establishment of multilateral mechanism on nuclear fuel supply have been proposed for the purposes of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and effectively addressing the risks posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Useful discussions on those initiatives have been taken at the Board of Governors. In this regard, China has taken note of the US proposal on the establishment of an IAEA LEU Bank. We also noted that some Member States still have concerns on that proposal.

China in principle supports all the efforts that would help promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and strengthen the international non-proliferation regime. And generally we are open to the relevant initiatives on the establishment of multilateral mechanism on assurance of nuclear fuel supply. China supports the IAEA, on the prerequisite of maintaining its independence, to play an active role in establishing such mechanism.

We are of the view that the establishment and operation of multilateral mechanism on assurance of nuclear fuel supply involves complex political, economic, technical and legal factors as well as practical interests of all Member States. The concerns of relevant states should be taken into full consideration and resolved in order to seek the most extensive support. While the objective of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons should be promoted, Member States' right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy should not be affected. China is willing, on the basis of extensive consultation, work with all the parties to find a solution acceptable to all.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.