The third Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) was held in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Mar. 24, 2014. As the first speaker, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized in his speech that we must follow a sensible, coordinated and balanced approach to nuclear security and keep it on the track of sound and sustainable development.

The peaceful use of nuclear power has sparked a flame of hope: used properly, it will provide us with light and warmth; used carelessly, it may become the fuel for an almighty blaze. Only by adopting a rational attitude can the peaceful use of nuclear power be of true benefit to mankind.

China's initiative on nuclear security has triggered active responses from other countries. Li Jianxiong, director of the public affairs department of the ASEAN secretariat, believes that President Xi's exhortation to "place equal emphasis on development and security" is an important guideline for Southeast Asian countries and their nuclear energy development plans.

Currently, there are more than 430 nuclear power reactors, 250 nuclear research reactors and 200 nuclear fuel cycle facilities in operation in the world. If a single facility or a single procedure goes wrong, the whole world might find itself under threat. A concerted global effort is therefore required to achieve universal nuclear security. We should strengthen exchanges in order to learn from each other and share experiences, and improve coordination between the relevant multilateral mechanisms and initiatives. Although the starting line may be different for different countries, we should make sure that no one falls behind in this common endeavor.

President Xi pointed out that nothing could be accomplished without following norms and standards. System safeguards and universal guiding principles are necessary for guaranteeing nuclear security. Countries differ in national conditions and in the stage they have reached in nuclear power development, and the nuclear security challenges they face also vary from one to another. As the saying goes, you need different keys to open different locks. While stressing the importance of countries honoring their international obligations, we should respect their right to adopt nuclear security policies and measures best suited to their own prevailing conditions, as well as their right to protect sensitive nuclear security information. We should adopt a fair and pragmatic attitude and advance the international nuclear security process in an active yet prudent manner.

To achieve success in the long-term development of nuclear power, we should create a peaceful international environment and develop harmonious relationships between countries. Every constructive effort made by the powers involved will reduce the risk of terrorism. All countries should take responsibility for realizing lasting nuclear security.

As a country with over 50 years of experience in developing nuclear power, China not only maintains a good nuclear security record, but also actively promotes international cooperation in the field. President Xi's speech has fully articulated China's nuclear security view to the international community. To achieve lasting nuclear security, China will continue its efforts for the welfare of all mankind.

The article is edited and translated from《保障核安全，理性协调并进》, source: People's Daily, author: Zhong Sheng.