China began construction of a pilot nuclear power project using Hualong One technology, a domestically-developed third generation reactor design, in Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province on May 7, 2015.

"As yet, no third generation pressurized water reactor has been completed worldwide. The construction of Hualong One indicates China's ascent into the rank of countries with advanced nuclear technology," said Qian Zhimin, general manager of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Hualong One is a benchmark for China's nuclear power product. Its safety index and performance index can meet in full the most demanding international standards for third generation nuclear power technology. For example, the "177 reactor core" design can increase the generated power by 5 percent to 10 percent; at the same time it can lower the power density of the reactor core, so as to enhance safety. The power plant can withstand an earthquake as strong as the one that caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, and with the "double containments" design, it can even withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft.

With 743 patents and 104 software copyrights, Hualong One has given China independent third generation nuclear power technology. And because of the proprietary intellectual property rights China owns, Hualong One has no restrictions in terms of selling abroad. Currently, China cooperates with nearly 20 countries in nuclear power projects, including the UK, Argentina, Pakistan and Egypt.