Bangkok, November 13, 2000

Abstract:

With about 50 years' development, an integral system of nuclear science, technology and industry has been established in China. Substantial achievements have been made in the field of military conversion, the peaceful application of nuclear energy in particular, since 1980s. By far, China has 2 NPPs containing 3 units in operation (with total capacity of 2100 MW), and 4 NPPs containing 8 units (with total capacity of 6600MW) under construction.

While ensuring a stable development for it's nuclear power, China also launched the research and development for advanced PWR with passive safety as chief feature. The high temperature gas cooled reactor of 10MWt will soon reach criticality. The low temperature nuclear heat demonstrative reactor is now in safe and stable operation.

In addition to achievements in nuclear power, China has attained major development in other aspect of application of nuclear technology. The technology of isotope and radiation is growing into new and hi-tech industry, and infiltrating from traditional application fields to edge science and technology and new fields (such as life and material sciences), representing a new economic growth point.

China attaches great importance to nuclear safety and has made great devotion to every aspect of nuclear safety in terms of manpower and finance. An integral nuclear safety regulation system is already in place.

The Chinese government is in the process of formulating the plan for peaceful application of nuclear energy in the 21st century.

This conference is the first of its kind since the "International Conference on Nuclear Cooperation in Asia" was renamed "Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia". As succession to ICNCA, FNCA does not make substantial difference, and will carry forward its major function of promoting cooperation and exchange of Asian countries in peaceful application of nuclear energy and nuclear technology for common development.