Qin Gang Meets with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi
2023-05-23 21:25

On May 23, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi in Beijing.

Qin Gang said that China is firmly committed to pursuing a self-defensive nuclear strategy, and safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime based on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It resolutely supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and commits itself to strengthening its own nuclear security and supporting international cooperation on nuclear security. Noting the sound cooperation between China and the IAEA, Qin Gang said cooperation between the two sides enjoys a solid foundation and broad prospects. China supports the IAEA in playing a greater role in global nuclear governance, and in making new contributions to reforming and improving the global nuclear governance system and promoting world peace and security. China hopes that the IAEA will fulfill its safeguards and oversight responsibilities with an objective, fair, and professional attitude, and firmly reject certain countries' practices of overstretching the concept of national security and disrupting and undermining the normal international cooperation order. China also hopes that the IAEA will properly handle the issues of AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation and Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, uphold its authority and credibility, preserve the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and maintain international security.

Grossi said that the IAEA appreciates China's achievements in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, attaches great importance to cooperation with China, and takes seriously China's concerns regarding Taiwan-related issues. The IAEA is ready to work with China to deepen cooperation, strengthen the capacity-building of the IAEA, and promote the peaceful development and utilization of nuclear energy. Noting that the IAEA is committed to preventing nuclear proliferation and respects member states' decisions, Grossi said the IAEA will maintain impartiality and conduct relevant consultation on AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation in a transparent manner. The IAEA will not endorse any country's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea and will not agree to any activities that violate international safety standards.

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