法国核能复兴，离不开中国制造

Core Viewpoint - The recent joint statement on nuclear energy cooperation between France and China indicates a complex evolution in their relationship, moving from a close partnership to a more mature and pragmatic collaboration, reflecting a shift in roles and capabilities in the nuclear sector [1]. Historical Context - The cooperation between France and China in nuclear energy began in 1982 with the signing of the first agreement for peaceful nuclear energy use, where France acted as the teacher and China as the student, leading to the establishment of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, China's first large commercial nuclear power station [3]. - The Daya Bay project symbolized a typical exchange of market access for technology, benefiting both parties in a straightforward manner [3]. Turning Point - The pinnacle of this teacher-student model was the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, which utilized France's latest EPR technology. However, this project highlighted a turning point as the EPR technology faced significant delays and budget overruns in France and Finland, damaging its reputation [6]. - While France struggled with EPR projects, China advanced independently, developing its own third-generation nuclear technology, the Hualong One, indicating a reduced reliance on French technology [8]. Current Challenges and Changes - France is now facing challenges in its nuclear sector, with President Macron's ambitious plan to build six new EPR2 reactors hindered by a weakened domestic supply chain and loss of expertise [10]. - The signing of a strategic consulting agreement between EDF and China National Nuclear Corporation for the EPR2 project marks a role reversal, where China now provides management and technical consulting to France [10]. Future Cooperation Areas - The joint statement outlines new areas for cooperation, including decommissioning and nuclear waste management, where France's experience and China's engineering capabilities can be mutually beneficial [12]. - Another area of collaboration is nuclear fusion, with both countries participating in the ITER project, focusing on long-term exploration rather than immediate commercial benefits [12]. - The potential for third-party market collaboration has diminished due to geopolitical tensions, leading to a shift from strategic partnership to functional cooperation, where both countries now rely on each other's strengths in various aspects of nuclear energy [13].