Madam Chair,

China fully acknowledges the Secretariat's work in nuclear safety over the past year. It actively participated in various important activities, including the IAEA Commission on Safety Standards and its subcommittees, as well as the Senior Safety and Security Regulators' Meeting. China successfully hosted the IAEA International Conference on Enhancing the Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants, attended by nearly 600 participants from over 40 countries. Also, China successfully hosted the 2024 International Seminar on Modernizing Nuclear Safety Regulation, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA). These events provided platforms for China to comprehensively share its technologies and programs, contributing valuable experience and new impetus to global nuclear safety governance.

The Chinese government has always attached great importance to nuclear safety, adhering to the principle of “safety first and quality first". In 2024, China continued to strengthen its nuclear safety regulatory system. Throughout the year, 11 regulations, guidelines, and standards were issued, including "In-service Inspection of NPPs". Additionally, the "Regulatory Requirements for the Classification and Categorization of Fusion Plants" has been completed and is scheduled for release this year. 

China remains committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and independent, strict, and effective supervision in nuclear safety. It focuses on strengthening its nuclear safety workforce and promoting transparency and public participation. These efforts have effectively addressed the challenges posed by the scaled-up development of nuclear energy and nuclear technology applications to nuclear safety supervision. China maintains good safety records for 57 operating units, 21 civilian research reactors and 21 civilian nuclear fuel-cycle facilities. Additionally, tens of thousands of radioactive sources and radiation devices in use are safely controlled. The quality of nuclear facilities under construction is strictly monitored.

In 2025, China will participate more actively and effectively in global nuclear safety governance. China will welcome a new round of IRRS, further strengthen its nuclear safety infrastructure, enhance the organizational performance of regulatory authority and strengthen international exchanges and mutual understanding. The 8th Review Meeting of the Joint Convention, scheduled this month, will promote the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management and ensure transparency in related regulation and management. China will send a high-level delegation to participate fully in the deliberations, conduct in-depth exchanges of best practices and work with all parties to continue building a global community with a shared future in nuclear safety.

Madam Chair,

China has always been firmly opposed to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japanese Fukushima Daiichi NPS into the sea. Following Japan's unilateral decision to proceed with the discharge, China took the initiative in advocating for and supporting the establishment of long-term, independent, and effective international monitoring by the Agency. China commend DG Grossi and the Secretariat's efforts in facilitating this agreement between China and Japan, as well as improving the additional measures. We also commend the organization of two missions to Fukushima by a team of international experts, including Chinese experts, to conduct independent on-site sampling and related works. China will continue to actively participate in the long-term independent monitoring under the Agency’s framework. We urge Japan to fulfill its commitments, ensure that China and other stakeholders can continue with independent sampling and monitoring, fully heed stakeholders’ views, and continuously improve relevant arrangements so that the discharge always remains under strict international supervision.

Thank you, Chair.