On April 20, 2009, CAEA Chairman Mr. Chen Qiufa and IAEA Director General Dr. Elbaradei signed a joint statement, which stated that CAEA and IAEA were determined to make further efforts to strengthen cooperation in peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear energy, with a view to promoting sustainable socio-economic development of China.

The statement reviewed the cooperation between both sides, believing that over the past 25 years, China has been dedicated to achieving the goal of promoting safe, secure and peaceful use of  nuclear energy set by the IAEA, particularly consistently supporting and actively advancing IAEA technical cooperation (TC) program. The IAEA has also been providing support to China’s nuclear power program through technical assistance and TC activities. Currently, IAEA and China has been conducting cooperation in fields, including nuclear and radiation safety and security, nuclear engineering technology, isotope hydrology, and industrial application of isotopes and radiation, involving 29 national projects and 72 regional/inter-regional projects under implementation.

The statement also expounded on next-step cooperation, stating that IAEA and CAEA enhance cooperation in safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy and promote sustainable development of society and economy in China. Both sides will strengthen cooperation in national nuclear infrastructure and technical capability, training and personnel capability building, nuclear safety, radiation protection, application and research of nuclear technology, nuclear material, nuclear data application, regional cooperation in accordance with the agreed National Project Program and technical cooperation projects currently under implementation in China.