President Xi's proposals show resolve in nuclear security: experts

WASHINGTON D.C., April 1, 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C., the United States, April 1, 2016. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, April 3 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposals at the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) demonstrate China's resolve against nuclear terrorism and will boost world confidence in nuclear energy development, experts said on Sunday.

Xi joined some 50 world leaders on Friday for the fourth and final NSS, a process initiated by U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss how to ensure the security of nuclear materials and facilities and prevent nuclear terrorism.

Describing nuclear terrorism as a grave threat to international security, Xi called for "zero-tolerance for nuclear terrorism" and "removing its breeding ground" at the summit.

Despite growing attention to nuclear security around the world, the development of nuclear energy and increasing use of nuclear technology in agriculture and medicine mean risks for proliferation and loss could surge, experts said. They also warned against terrorists using nuclear devices to launch attacks.

"Leaders of the nuclear energy industry have demanded top priority be given to nuclear security and preventing terrorists from using the Internet to attack nuclear facilities," said Zhu Xuhui, a senior advisor with the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.

Apart from reinforcing its commitment to countering nuclear terrorism, Xi stressed China has always been committed to development and use of nuclear energy while ensuring security.

"This is to bridge the gap in the energy supply, and address the challenges posed by climate change. China is the country with the fastest growth in nuclear power. At the same time, it has kept a good nuclear security record," Xi said.

Though China put its nuclear energy development on hold after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, it has highlighted nuclear power development as a priority for the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).

Currently, China has 24 nuclear power generating units under construction, ranking first in the world. China is also trying to explore the international market, inking deals with Britain, Pakistan, the Czech Republic and other countries.

Observers said President Xi addressed concerns about security related to China's nuclear power development and sent a reassuring message that China will continue to enhance nuclear security, boosting domestic and global confidence in nuclear energy development.

"China applies the most stringent security monitoring to ensure the safety and security of nuclear power stations within China and those exported to other parts of the world. Nothing is left to chance," Xi said.

"With a good security monitoring system and a good record, China has expressed willingness to share technology, expertise and resources with countries interested in developing nuclear power as clean energy," said Fan Jishe, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.