Energy agency tackles nuclear law at conference

VIENNA－The International Atomic Energy Agency kicked off its first international conference on nuclear law in Vienna on Monday.

Lawyers, representatives of national authorities, international organizations, nuclear industry and civil society from 127 countries are participating in the IAEA's "First International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate" to discuss emerging issues and trends in nuclear law and the applicable legal frameworks.

In his opening speech at the conference, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said nuclear law is "not only about behavior and abiding by very important concepts and principles of law, but also driven by technological development".

He added that nuclear energy, "a force for the greater good" can at the same time "pose challenges that must be solved".

Dong Baotong, vice-chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, said during a forum on the sidelines of the conference that China has established a nuclear law system in recent years and is currently formulating an atomic energy law to safeguard the peaceful development and use of atomic energy.

Dong added that China is willing to share with other countries its experience in the development and legislation of the civil nuclear energy sector.

Grossi spoke highly of China's nuclear law system, saying that he expects "constructive and permanent conversation" with China on nuclear energy to further deepen in the future.

'Emphasis on safety'

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Grossi said he appreciates the "emphasis on safety" in China's nuclear law system, which covers relevant standards in production, transportation, waste and radiological protection among others.

He noted that all these aspects are also covered in the atomic energy law that China is currently formulating.

The IAEA has maintained "extremely constructive dialogue with China" and has kept in permanent contact with the Chinese nuclear regulator and major Chinese nuclear energy companies, Grossi said.

"The issue of nuclear energy is of paramount importance for China," he said. "We (the IAEA and China) are here as good partners, each having its own role in supporting the other in this indispensable work."

The IAEA conference, which includes forums, exhibitions and other sideline meetings, will run until Friday.

Xinhua