Core Viewpoint - China's nuclear power industry is entering a new phase of large-scale construction, with a focus on ensuring the quality of new projects and the safe operation of existing units [1][2]. Group 1: Current Status of Nuclear Power in China - As of June 2023, China has a total of 112 nuclear power units in operation, under construction, or approved for construction, with 32 units currently under construction, maintaining the world's largest capacity of units under construction [1][2]. - The China Nuclear Energy Association projects that by 2030, China's operational nuclear power capacity will become the largest globally, with an expected capacity of 200 million kilowatts by 2040, accounting for approximately 10% of total electricity generation [2]. Group 2: Safety and Regulatory Framework - China has established an effective nuclear safety regulatory system that aligns with national conditions and international standards, featuring a three-tiered regulatory framework involving government agencies, regional supervision stations, and technical support units [1][3]. - The East China Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision Station oversees nuclear safety across six provinces and one municipality, with a projected 19,563 personnel involved in supervision in 2024 [2]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant is highlighted as a model for high-quality development in China's nuclear industry, with plans for six million-kilowatt nuclear units and one integrated small reactor, aiming for a total annual output of 60.9 billion kilowatt-hours [2][4]. - The integration of AI and big data technologies in monitoring systems has been recognized internationally, enhancing the safety and regulatory processes in nuclear power plants [5]. Group 4: Response to Extreme Weather - China's nuclear safety system incorporates proactive defenses against extreme weather events, with design considerations based on local meteorological and geographical data [7][8]. - The East China Supervision Station has implemented specialized supervision procedures for adverse weather conditions, ensuring that nuclear facilities are prepared for events such as typhoons and heavy rainfall [7]. Group 5: Upgrading to Third-Generation Technology - China has successfully transitioned from second-generation to third-generation nuclear technology, with passive safety systems being a core advantage, allowing for emergency responses without external energy sources [8]. - Measures have been taken to enhance the water intake safety systems of nuclear power plants in response to risks posed by marine biological invasions, with ongoing monitoring and risk assessments [8].

Core Viewpoint - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a comprehensive assessment of China's nuclear and radiation safety regulatory framework, highlighting significant progress and innovative practices in the country's nuclear safety management [1][3]. Group 1: Assessment Overview - The assessment took place from June 29 to July 11, involving a team of 20 senior regulatory representatives from 17 countries, along with IAEA experts [1]. - The IAEA team praised China's nuclear safety regulatory body, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration), for its robust and reliable regulatory framework [1][3]. - The assessment recognized China's rapid nuclear power development and the effectiveness of its regulatory practices [3][4]. Group 2: Innovative Practices - The assessment identified three unique practices in China's nuclear safety management: the use of artificial intelligence to enhance regulatory efficiency, the establishment of a comprehensive integrated data platform for data collection, and high-level exchanges with industry stakeholders to improve transparency and accountability [3][4]. Group 3: Future Considerations - The assessment team emphasized the need for the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to dynamically evaluate the resource requirements for new nuclear projects, suggesting a significant increase in regulatory personnel in the coming years due to the rapid expansion of the nuclear power sector [4]. - The Chinese government has provided substantial resources to support the National Nuclear Safety Administration in fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities [4]. Group 4: Current Status and Future Goals - As of June 2025, China is projected to have 112 operational, under-construction, and approved nuclear power units, the highest globally, along with 22 civilian research reactors and 21 nuclear fuel cycle facilities [6]. - The safety record of operational nuclear facilities in China is strong, with overall good control over the construction quality of new facilities and a well-managed radiation environment [7].

Core Points - The international assessment of China's nuclear safety regulatory system concluded that the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the National Nuclear Safety Administration are solid, capable, and reliable regulatory bodies [1][6][10] - The assessment highlighted China's leadership in global nuclear safety, particularly in innovative practices such as the application of big data and artificial intelligence in regulatory processes [1][6][7] - The assessment was part of a comprehensive review process, with China voluntarily inviting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the evaluation, marking the fifth such assessment since 1994 [2][3][10] Group 1: Assessment Overview - The IAEA assessment took place from June 29 to July 11, 2023, and involved a thorough review of China's nuclear and radiation safety regulatory framework [2][3] - China currently operates 59 nuclear power units, ranking second globally, with an additional 32 units under construction and 21 planned [2][11] - The assessment included a self-evaluation by China based on IAEA safety standards, with a focus on transparency and cooperation during the evaluation process [3][4] Group 2: Key Findings and Recommendations - The assessment team identified several good practices in China's regulatory approach, including the use of artificial intelligence tools and regular high-level industry communication mechanisms [6][7][9] - The IAEA provided nine key recommendations, focusing on funding for decommissioned nuclear facilities and improving emergency preparedness standards [7][8][9] - The assessment emphasized the need for a systematic approach to resource evaluation in light of the dynamic development of nuclear projects in China [9][12] Group 3: Future Directions - China plans to analyze the recommendations from the IAEA assessment and continue enhancing its modern nuclear safety regulatory system [10][12] - The IAEA will conduct a follow-up assessment in five years to evaluate the implementation of the recommendations and ongoing improvements [11][12] - China expressed its commitment to international cooperation in nuclear safety and aims to share its regulatory experiences with other countries [12]