China, Saudi Arabia deepen nuclear safety cooperation as a new MoU was signed during China-GCC Forum held in Sichuan Province.
China and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in nuclear security through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding during the inaugural China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
The agreement, signed between the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and Saudi Arabia’s nuclear regulatory body, outlines joint efforts in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and emergency preparedness through initiatives such as personnel training, technical exchanges, and joint working groups.
During the first China-GCC Summit in Riyadh in December 2022, President Xi Jinping emphasized building a new model for energy cooperation with GCC countries over the next three to five years, including the establishment of platforms for peaceful nuclear collaboration and security training.
The CAEA-hosted forum brought together nuclear experts and officials from GCC nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, who commended China’s progress and safe practices in nuclear energy, and called for deeper regional collaboration.
In recent years, China has deepened ties with GCC countries in nuclear development, signing agreements such as one with the UAE on peaceful nuclear use and cooperating with Saudi Arabia on exploration, safety, and security in the nuclear sector.
China has also exported radiation detection equipment to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, used in global events like the FIFA World Cup and Dubai Expo, and developed nuclear medicine and research partnerships with Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain—highlighting the broad regional impact of its nuclear collaborations.
CAEA Director Shan Zhongde reiterated China’s commitment to multilateral nuclear cooperation, pledging to share technology and resources to foster a global community based on peace, shared prosperity, and mutual benefit.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi emphasized strong political alignment and strategic economic partnership with China, underlining nuclear cooperation as a key element in addressing regional energy and stability challenges.
He further noted the importance of using China’s nuclear expertise to strengthen GCC’s energy infrastructure, advance sustainable goals, and promote green technology through strategic knowledge exchange.
As nuclear energy gains prominence in global carbon reduction efforts, China’s advancements in safety and innovation offer effective models for international collaboration and sustainable energy development.
Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission CEO Khalid Aleissa praised China’s rapid nuclear growth and welcomed partnerships that can accelerate the GCC region’s still-developing nuclear sector.
CAEA Secretary-General Huang Ping highlighted ongoing challenges in talent and regulation across many countries, noting China’s efforts in training professionals, building regulatory systems, and expanding technical services to support global nuclear progress.
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