Statement at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit

Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China

Seoul, March 27, 2012

President Lee Myung-bak,

Dear Colleagues,

At the first Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in 2010, the international community forged consensus on nuclear security and set in motion the process of countering nuclear security challenges through cooperation. In the past two years, countries around the world have made good progress in promoting nuclear security. We have gained a better understanding of the importance of nuclear security, improved the relevant international legal framework and intensified international cooperation. As a result, the security conditions of nuclear materials and facilities have notably improved and our capacity for combating nuclear terrorism has significantly enhanced.

At the same time, the nuclear security situation remains grave. The destabilizing factors and uncertainties in the international arena are on the rise. The risks of nuclear material diversion and proliferation have increased. The threat of nuclear terrorism cannot be overlooked. And it is a long and arduous task to effectively manage the security and safety risks in the development and utilization of nuclear energy.

China takes nuclear security very seriously and stands firmly against nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. In the past two years, China has taken active steps to enhance nuclear security and achieved new and substantive results.

—China has attached great importance to building nuclear security capacity. China has increased input in ensuring nuclear security, improved the relevant legislative framework and made great efforts to strengthen nuclear security management. China has conducted comprehensive, nationwide inspections on the security of its nuclear facilities. China has strengthened human resources development in the field of nuclear security. We have established all-dimensional training programs and diverse modes of training, and trained over 500 related personnel for the country. China has also taken steps to enhance the security administration of radioactive sources and radioactive wastes, and moved forward the development of the national database for radioactive sources.

—China has earnestly honored its international nuclear security obligations. China has ratified the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. We have made intensive efforts to formulate and improve supporting regulations as required by the Conventions and adopted stricter measures in nuclear material protection. China has earnestly fulfilled its obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 1540 and 1887, and has taken steps to prevent non-state actors from illegally acquiring nuclear and other radioactive materials.

—China has engaged in extensive international nuclear security cooperation. China supports the IAEA in playing a central role in the field of nuclear security. China has signed with the IAEA an agreement on nuclear security cooperation, and the two sides have carried out close cooperation in related laws, regulations and standards, nuclear security during major events, capacity building and personnel training. Work is well under way to set up a Center of Excellence on Nuclear Security in China. This project will serve multiple purposes, including personnel training, R&D and international exchanges, and cover diverse fields such as nuclear security, safeguards, control of nuclear materials and physical protection. The Radiation Detection Training Center of China Customs is now up and running, which has enhanced China's capacity in preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. China has conducted productive cooperation with other countries in the conversion of HEU research reactors, security of radioactive sources, personnel training and nuclear export control.

—China has worked hard to ensure nuclear security during major public events. In recent years, China has hosted several major international events, such as the Shanghai World Expo and the Guangzhou Asian Games. To ensure the smooth running of these events and prevent nuclear terrorism, China has taken a range of effective measures, including the development and application of new nuclear security equipment, and the tightening of nuclear detection and inspection at the venues.