Strengthening China’s National Nuclear Legal Framework and Future Cooperation in Nuclear Law

The IAEA Office of Legal Affairs hosted a high-level delegation from the Government of the People's Republic of China at IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 18 October 2024. The meeting was organized at the Government's request to discuss nuclear law and specific aspects of China's draft Atomic Energy Law. This visit also provided an opportunity to have initial discussions on future opportunities for cooperation on capacity-building and other support in nuclear law.

The delegation, which included representatives from the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the National People's Congress, and the Chinese Nuclear Society Branch of Nuclear Law, briefly met with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who stated, "As China continues to expand its civilian nuclear power programme, I welcome the efforts to enhance its nuclear legal framework. The IAEA is actively supporting this initiative."

The People's Republic of China has an extensive legal and regulatory framework for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Most recently, the country adopted the 2018 Law on Nuclear Safety and the 2003 Law on Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution. In addition, since the 1980s, China has issued various regulations and State Council Decisions and Replies, including on civil liability for nuclear damage.

According to Jinjun Wang, Deputy Director General of the Department of System Engineering of the CAEA, the draft Atomic Energy Law was deliberated for the first time on 24 April 2024 during the 9th Session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and it is foreseen to be China's fundamental law in the field of atomic energy. The law is primarily focused on research, development, cooperation, and utilization of atomic energy, but it also addresses some relevant aspects of regulatory control. Mr Wang said, "We are pleased to discuss the draft Law with the IAEA, gain insights on the legislative practices of other countries, and explore opportunities for further cooperation in nuclear law."

During the visit, the delegation also met with IAEA senior management, including the Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety and Security, Lydie Evrard; the Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy, Mikhail Chudakov; and the Deputy Director General for Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu.