The Chinese Government is resolutely opposed to all forms of terrorism, including nuclear terrorism, Zhang Yan - China's new ambassador to the United Nations - said on Monday.
Zhang was outlining China's position on the fight against nuclear terrorism within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at a board meeting of the agency, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said China has been calling for stronger international cooperation in the "fight against terrorism" in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Governments have the unshirkable responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities in their own countries, he said.
With regard to potential nuclear terrorist activities, the Chinese ambassador said governments should take the necessary preventive measures in conjunction with the world community, "based on a realistic assessment of the possible threat."
On the nuclear agency's role in protecting against nuclear terrorism, Zhang said the agency's focus should be on such aspects as the organization of and participation in the development of relevant standards, guidelines and recommendations; the provision of training and technical advice at the request of member states; and cooperation and coordination with other international organizations.
Zhang said the agency could provide advisory services and assist members in improving the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities. However, he said that certain measures would be needed to ensure that sensitive information remained confidential.
"China supports the agency playing its due role in and making its contribution to the protection against nuclear terrorism in accordance with the views of its members and the decisions of its board and within the framework of the objectives and principles of its statutes," he said.
On financing programmes against nuclear terrorism, Zhang said China favours "voluntary contributions without indicative targets."
Zhang also asked the agency to improve cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to expand technical cooperation and assistance to developing countries to help them develop their economies.
(China Daily March 20, 2002)
