May 23, 2023

On May 22, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center signed an agreement in Beijing to establish the IAEA’s first Collaboration Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety. The NSC was officially inaugurated during the ceremony, with speeches delivered by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Tian Weiyong, Chief Nuclear Safety Engineer of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration(NNSA).  

The IAEA Collaboration Center program designates specialized institutions in member states as partners to jointly conduct IAEA-selected activities in specific fields. The IAEA has previously recognized China’s achievements in nuclear and radiation safety regulation through its comprehensive assessments, commending the MEE (NNSA) as an effective and reliable nuclear safety regulatory body. The NSC, as the technical support organization under the MEE (NNSA), provides comprehensive technical expertise and safeguards for China’s nuclear and radiation safety oversight. Under the agreement, the NSC will leverage its resources and strengths to collaborate with IAEA member states in areas including nuclear safety, radiation safety, transport safety, waste safety, and security, actively contributing to capacity-building efforts worldwide.  

The establishment of the Collaboration Center will facilitate the sharing of China’s regulatory practices and achievements in nuclear and radiation safety while incorporating global expertise and experience, creating an international platform for exchange and cooperation. It also underscores China’s commitment to engaging in global nuclear safety governance and fulfilling President Xi Jinping’s pledge to “utilize  the National R&D Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulatory Technology to assist countries in need to enhance their safety regulatory capabilities, contributing to global nuclear safety.” This initiative aligns with the vision of building a global community with a shared future, promoting mutual benefits and shared progress.  

During his visit, Director General Grossi and the delegation also toured the key facilities in the R&D Center.