Maturing in diplomacy

President Hu Jintao attaches importance to nuclear security and closer cooperation among developing nations

President Hu Jintao is attending a high-profile global safety summit in Washington DC on April 12, when 47 leaders of countries with nuclear capability will gather to discuss nuclear safety, a crucial issue for international security.

With climate change emerging as a major concern for the world, countries are turning their eyes to non-fossil fuels including nuclear energy as substitutes. The research, development and use of civilian-purpose nuclear energy have been on the rise with many developing countries seeking to develop civilian nuclear facilities. As such, the stock of nuclear material including nuclear fuel and spent fuel from civilian and military facilities is gradually accumulating and posing safety challenges. Preventing the nuclear material and facilities from being abused, especially by terrorists, has become an important issue for the international community.