China’s Cooperation With The International Atomic Energy Agency: New Developments For Global South Countries

On April 9, 2025, China’s National Atomic Energy Agency signed the “Framework for Technical Cooperation National Programs” and “Practical Arrangements for Cooperation in Education and Training in the Field of Safe and Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Beijing. This cooperation marks a new phase in China’s collaboration with the IAEA in the field of nuclear energy.

China has a history of over forty years of cooperation with the IAEA. It is not only an important beneficiary of IAEA cooperation but also a significant participant and contributor to IAEA activities. China actively participates in the construction of the international nuclear legal framework and the development of standards and guidelines for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards led by the IAEA, as well as in information sharing and feedback mechanisms regarding nuclear data, reactors, and nuclear fuel. The signed cooperation documents will further promote collaboration between China and the IAEA in the field of nuclear energy, especially in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and global governance.

Nuclear safety and security are key areas of this cooperation. As an efficient and clean energy source, the safety and security of nuclear energy are crucial. China has rich experience and advanced technology in nuclear safety and security. Through cooperation with the IAEA, China can share its experience and technology with global South countries, helping them enhance the safety and security levels of their nuclear facilities and reduce the risks of nuclear accidents and proliferation.

Moreover, China has abundant resources in nuclear-related universities and research institutions, such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Beihang University. These institutions have world-leading research and education levels in the field of nuclear science and technology. Through the “Practical Arrangements for Cooperation in Education and Training in the Field of Safe and Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology,” China will fully utilize these high-quality educational resources to train more nuclear professionals for global South countries who possess a global perspective, are proficient in foreign languages, and understand international rules. This will not only help enhance the application level of nuclear technology in these countries but also promote the exchange and cooperation of international nuclear science and technology talent.

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In addition, the application of nuclear technology in areas such as food and agriculture, nutrition and health, and resources and environment is of great significance for improving people’s livelihoods and promoting sustainable development. For example, nuclear technology can be used to increase crop yields, improve food quality, and monitor and manage environmental pollution. Through cooperation with the IAEA, China will help global South countries better utilize nuclear technology to solve practical problems and improve people’s living standards.

For a long time, global nuclear governance has been mainly dominated by developed countries, with developing countries having relatively little voice. The cooperation between China and the IAEA will promote more equitable and reasonable nuclear governance, providing global South countries with more opportunities for participation and a stronger voice. This will help build a fairer and more inclusive global nuclear governance system, allowing nuclear energy to better serve the common interests of all humanity.

China’s cooperation with the IAEA is an important milestone in global nuclear cooperation. By deepening collaboration in nuclear safety and security, food and agriculture, nutrition and health, resources and environment, and fully utilizing China’s high-quality educational resources, China will provide more public goods and training opportunities for youth in global South countries. This will not only help enhance the application level of nuclear technology in these countries but also promote fairness and inclusiveness in global nuclear governance, contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.