IAEA - Statements and Developments

IAEA-Related Statements and Developments

This chronology includes statements and developments on issues related to China and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including IAEA safeguards.

2004

01/26/2004: China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, Zhang Yan, submitted a formal application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to NSG rotating president Cho Chang-beom, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. Zhang also delivered a note to Director General of the IAEA, Mohamed M. ElBaradei, informing the IAEA of China's application for NSG membership. ["China applies to join Nuclear Suppliers Group," Xinhua via China Daily, 27 January 2004.]

01/12/2004: The Department of Energy issued a press release announcing that the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, and the Chairman of China's Atomic Energy Authority, Zhang Huazhu, had that same day signed a Statement of Intent establishing a process for cooperating with each other and for collaborating with the IAEA on a range of nuclear nonproliferation and security activities. These activities include efforts to strengthen export controls, international nuclear safeguards, physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, nuclear emergency management, and radioactive source security by setting up information exchanges and training programs. ["U.S., China Intensify Nuclear Nonproliferation Cooperation - Press Release," U.S. Department of State, 12 January 2004.]

2003

06/10/2003: Gholamreza Aqazadeh, Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO), stated that in 1991 Iran received shipments from the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) of China containing hexafluoride and uranium oxide. China and Iran did not report these shipments to the IAEA because of the low quantity of uranium and because the materials were not considered, according to Aqazadeh. The United States government claimed that the information should have been reported according to the provisions of Iran's Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. This agreement requires that reports be filed on all materials subject to safeguards, including uranium. ["Head of Atomic Energy Organization Critical of IAEA 'Discriminations'," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 10 June 2003.]

02/12/2003: The IAEA, having found North Korea in noncompliance with UN-mandated safeguards, approved a resolution referring the matter to the UN Security Council. China’s response initially had been cautious, urging parties not to use action that could escalate the issue. During the meeting of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, China's Ambassador Zhang Yan stated “China always holds that dialogue is better than confrontation. The only correct and effective approach to the solution of the DPRK nuclear issue is through constructive dialogue and consultations on the basis of equality, especially the sincere and pragmatic dialogue directly among the parties concerned." Despite reservations, China did vote for the resolution to report the DPRK’s breach of nuclear safeguards. After the vote in Vienna, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue in Beijing stated that:

The fact that we agreed that the IAEA will report this to the Security Council does not mean we agree the UN Security Council should get involved in this dispute right now…Besides, the resolution also stressed the peaceful settlement of this issue in a diplomatic manner and therefore based on this position China voted in favor of this resolution.

Zhang Qiyue also made clear that China was still willing to use its veto power to block sanctions against North Korea. [“U.S. Welcomes IAEA Decision on DPRK; Russia, PRC, ROK Respond ‘Cautiously’,” Xinhua, 13 February 2003; “China Warns Against UN Involvement in NKorea Crisis," AFX - Asia, 13 February 2003; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC website, Spokesperson's press conference, 13 Feb 2003, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/chn/41570.html.]

01/07/2003: Asked about China's response to the IAEA resolution calling for North Korea to stop its nuclear plans, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue said, "We hold that the Korean peninsula should be denuclearized and peace and stability maintained. We hope that the resolution just adopted by the IAEA Council will facilitate the peaceful settlement of the question through dialogue." [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Press Conference on January 7, 2003"]

2002

12/10/2002: According to 2002 China’s National Defense White Paper:

China is in favor of the IAEA making its contributions to the protection against potential nuclear terrorist activities in accordance with purposes and principles of its Statute, and will provide appropriate assistance at the anti-terrorism activities of the Agency. Strengthening the physical protection of nuclear facilities and material is conducive to nuclear non-proliferation and prevention of nuclear terrorism. China has actively participated in the revision of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, and is ready to make every effort to facilitate this process.

3/28/2002: Zhang Yan, China's Ambassador in Vienna, notified the IAEA that China had completed all the required legal procedures for the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement (the so-called "93+2 Program"), and that the Protocol would be effective immediately. The Additional Protocol is intended to enable the IAEA to more accurately verify states' nuclear activities. Out of the five nuclear states, China was the first to implement the Additional Protocol procedures. According to Ambassador Zhang, this "fully demonstrates China’s firm stand on opposing nuclear proliferation, supporting IAEA in enhancing the existing safeguards regime and fulfilling its obligation in non-proliferation….China's move is conducive to promotion of the universality and implementation of the Protocol as well as consolidating and enhancing the existing international proliferation prevention regime.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Press Conference, 2 April 2002; "Program '93 + 2'," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (English document) (Chinese document)]

2001

09/17/2001: At the 45th IAEA General Conference, Zhang Huazhu, head of China's delegation, urged the IAEA to do more to convey the importance of increased use of nuclear power for sustainable development. He said the IAEA should coordinate the development of new nuclear energy technologies. ["China Stresses Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainable Development," Xinhua, 18 Sep 2001]

2000

09/18/2000: During the 44th session of the IAEA General Conference Zhang Huazhu, Director of State Agency of Atomic Energy of China, made the following comments on peaceful applications of nuclear energy. According to Xinhua, Zhang said, "Nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful application of nuclear energy are two well balanced functions of the IAEA," and, "the IAEA should not over-emphasize one aspect while neglecting the other." Zhang also said the "Chinese delegation believes the IAEA should utilize its advantages to scientifically assess and objectively popularize the function of nuclear energy in the world's sustainable development." Furthermore, Zhang called on developed countries to increase technical cooperation by increasing the transfer of technology and providing more technical expertise to developing countries. ["China Urges Respect of Rights of Nations to Peaceful Use of Nuclear," Xinhua, 18 September 2000.]

09/14/2000: Zhang Huazhu, director of China's State Agency of Atomic Energy, addressed the issue of establishing an international legal framework to regulate the physical protection of nuclear materials during the International Atomic Energy Agencies 44th annual conference. The Agence France Presse quotes Zhang as saying, "It is not the appropriate time now to lay down binding regulations on the physical protection of nuclear materials within a country in the form of an international legal document." Zhang went on to say, "The Chinese delegation holds that the physical protection of nuclear materials is mainly the responsibility of governments, who have formulated their respective measures...by referring to the Agency's standards." ["China Rejects Moves to Tighten Regulation of Nuclear Materials," Agence France Presse, 18 September 2000.]

1999

9/27/1999: Zhang Huazhu, at the IAEA General Conference, decried the Agency's relative neglect to promote peaceful uses of nuclear technology while performing its necessary verification functions. On another topic, he raised the issue that separated neptunium should be put under international monitoring as it poses some proliferation risk. [Summary of Statement by Mr. Zhang Huazhu at 43rd Session of the IAEA General Conference, 27 September 1999.]

1/2/1999: China and the IAEA signed an additional protocol to an existing agreement. In this protocol, China assumes obligations to bring its civil nuclear projects under IAEA control. China will also inform the IAEA of its cooperation with non-nuclear weapon countries and its imports and exports of nuclear materials. China's representative to the IAEA, Zhang Yishan, stated that China would work to improve the system of controls over the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. ["China, IAEA Sign Additional Protocol on Guarantees and Control," Itar-Tass, 2 January 1999.]

1998

9/21/1998: In his address to the IAEA General Conference, Mr. Zhang Huazhu, head of the Chinese delegation, noted that China is developing its nuclear power capabilities, and several large nuclear power plants were being planned. Further, he urged the Agency to offer member states practical nuclear safety assistance in accord with their needs. He emphasized the continuing need of developing countries for assistance in promoting beneficial nuclear technology. [Summary of Statement by Mr. Zhang Huazhu, Head of the Chinese Delegation, at the 42nd Session of the IAEA General Conference, 21 September 1998.]

7/27/1998: China released a white paper entitled China's National Defense which gave a synopsis of China's cooperation with the IAEA.

1997

9/30/1997: In a telegram of congratulations to the 41st conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Chinese Prime Minister Li Peng stated (unofficial translation):

"I believe that in the years to come, the IAEA will, under the guidance of the established principles and objectives of its Charter, play an even more positive role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

"China will, as always, actively participate in IAEA activities and enhance its friendly cooperation with the IAEA and its member countries to safeguard world peace and make further contributions to facilitate economic development and social progress." [People's Daily (in Chinese), 2 October 1997; China Daily, 1 October 1997.]

1995

11/1995: In its 1995 white paper on arms control and disarmament, China stated:

"China supports the three major goals set forth in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, accelerating nuclear disarmament, and promoting international cooperation in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. China has consistently stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, pursuing a policy of not supporting, encouraging or engaging in the proliferation of nuclear weapons and not assisting any other country in the development of such weapons. At the same time, China holds that preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons should not proceed without due regard for the just rights and interests of all countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, particularly in the case of developing countries. There must not be a double standard whereby anti-nuclear proliferation is used as a pretext to limit or retard the peaceful use of nuclear energy by developing nations."

"China holds that the safeguard regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an important component of the efforts to assure the effectiveness of the NPT prior to acceding to the treaty, China undertook to fulfill the obligations stipulated by the IAEA Statute, including the obligation to apply IAEA safeguard. Since 1992 when it became a party to the treaty, it has strictly fulfilled all its obligations under the Treaty, including the obligation to cooperate fully with the IAEA in safeguard application. China follows three principles regarding nuclear exports: exports serving peaceful use only, accepting IAEA's safeguards, and no retransfers to a third country without China's consent. Only specialized government-designated companies can handle nuclear exports and in each instance they must apply for approval from relevant government departments. All exports of nuclear materials and equipment will be subject to IAEA safeguard. China has never exported sensitive technologies such as those for uranium enrichment, reprocessing and heavy water production."

"With a view to supporting IAEA safeguard, China officially declared in November, 1991 that on a continuing basis it would report to the IAEA any export to or import from non-nuclear-weapon states involving nuclear materials of one effective kilogram or more. In July, 1993, China formally promised that it would voluntarily report to the agency any imports or exports of nuclear materials, and all exports of nuclear equipment and related non-nuclear materials."

"In 1985, China declared that it would of its own free will submit part of its civilian nuclear facilities to the IAEA for safeguard. In 1988, China and the IAEA signed an agreement on voluntary safeguard, under which China provided the IAEA with a list of facilities subject to such safeguard and established SSAC [expansion unknown]. The system is supervised, administered and operated respectively by the competent government departments, the safeguarded nuclear facilities units concerned and technological support units. The competent government department is responsible for organizing the implementation of the safeguard agreement between China and the IAEA. The nuclear facility unit is responsible for establishing measurement, recording and reporting regimes in line with the requirements of the agreement, as well as receiving on-the-site investigations by IAEA inspectors." ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995.]

11/1/1995: At a UN General Assembly session reviewing the annual report of the IAEA, Chinese Disarmament Ambassador Sha Zukang stated that any strengthening of the safeguards regime cannot have a negative effect on the development of nuclear science, technology, and industry, or on international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. [Xinhua (Beijing), 2 November 1995; in "Disarmament Envoy Explains Nuclear Arms Stand," FBIS-CHI-95-212, 2 November 1995.]

5/1995: In number 12 of the "Principles and Objectives for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament," (NPT/CONF.1995/L.4), China agreed to the following text:

"New supply arrangements for the transfer of source or special fissionable material or equipment or material especially designed or prepared for the processing, use or production of special fissionable material to non-nuclear-weapon States should require, as a necessary precondition, acceptance of IAEA full-scope safeguards and internationally legally binding commitments not to acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices." ["Principles and Objectives for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament" (NPT/CONF.1995/32/DEC.2), 11 May 1995; Mark Hibbs, "China Has Far To Go Before US Will Certify, Agencies Now Say," Nucleonics Week, 12 December 1996, p. 9.]

4/18/1995: In a statement to the NPT Review and Extension Conference (NPTREC), Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated that China

"has all along pursued the policy of not endorsing, encouraging or engaging in nuclear weapon proliferation and not assisting other countries in developing nuclear weapons. In the field of nuclear export, we adhere to three principles. First, the export should be exclusively for peaceful purposes. Second, the export should be subject to IAEA safeguards. And third, the export should not be retransferred to a third country without China's consent. All our nuclear exports are under IAEA safeguards." ["Statement By H.E. Qian Qichen, Vice Premier And Foreign Minister And Head Of Delegation Of The People's Republic Of China At The 1995 Review And Extension Conference Of The Parties To The Treaty On The Non-Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons," 18 April 1995.]

1993

12/1993: Li Daoyu, Chinese ambassador to the United States, stated in an article that "China promotes cooperation with all other countries in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under strict IAEA safeguards." [Li Daoyu, "Foreign Policy And Arms Control: The View From China," Arms Control Today, December 1993, p. 10.]

7/1993: China announced it would voluntarily report to the IAEA regarding any imports or exports of nuclear materials, and concerning all exports of nuclear equipment and related non-nuclear materials. ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995.]

2/24/1993: China and the IAEA signed the "Agreement of 24 February 1993 Between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Supply of a Nuclear Power Station from the People's Republic of China (INFCIRC/418)." The agreement entered into force on the same day. The agreement was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors on 19 June 1992. ["Agreement of 24 February 1993 Between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Supply of a Nuclear Power Station from the People's Republic of China," INFCIRC/418, March 1993.]

1992

9/1992: Jiang Xinxiong, minister of China's nuclear industry, at the 36th regular session of the IAEA General Conference, reaffirmed China's commitment not to engage in nuclear weapons proliferation. Jiang stated that Chinese exports require the importing country to assure that the items will be used for peaceful purposes only, and that no items would be transferred to third parties without Chinese consent. ["Government Pledges No Proliferation Of N-Weapons," Proliferation Issues, 23 September 1992, p. 3.]

5/18/1992: The agreement between Syria and the IAEA on the transfer of a 30 kW miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) and enriched uranium from China to Syria entered into force. The agreement was signed on 28 February 1993 and was approved by the IAEA's Board of Governors on 25 February 1992. [IAEA Information Circular, July 1992.]

1991

11/1991: In a 15 November 1991 letter received by the IAEA on 29 November 1991, China announced it would report to the IAEA any export or import of nuclear materials of one kg or greater. ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995.]

9/10/1991: The agreement between the IAEA and Pakistan on applying safeguards to the miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) provided by China to Pakistan was signed and entered into force. The IAEA's Board of Governors approved the deal on 20 February 1990. [IAEA Information Circular, October 1991.]

1990

2/27/1990: In a statement to the Conference on Disarmament, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated:

"On the prevention of nuclear proliferation, China does not advocate, encourage, or engage in nuclear proliferation. In its cooperation with other countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, China has adopted a responsible attitude, requiring the recipient countries of its nuclear export to accept IAEA safeguards and ensuring that its own nuclear import is for peaceful purposes. At the same time, China is opposed to the practice of going all out for the nuclear arms race both in quantity and quality while imposing unreasonable restrictions on international cooperation for peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the pretext of preventing nuclear proliferation."

"On international weapons transfer, China has always been prudent and responsible toward the export of weapons, and the volume of such export is extremely limited." [Xinhua, 27 February 1990; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.]

2/20/1990: The IAEA's Board of Governors approved the agreement between the IAEA and Pakistan on applying safeguards to the miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) provided by China to Pakistan. [IAEA Information Circular, October 1991.]

1989

11/1989: China agreed to apply IAEA safeguards to cover its nuclear power reactor sale to Pakistan. [Leonard S. Spector with Jacqueline R. Smith, Nuclear Ambitions, p. 297.]

9/18/89: China's September 1988 safeguards agreement with the IAEA, the "Agreement Between the People's Republic of China and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in China," entered into force. The agreement covers some of China's civilian nuclear facilities. ["Agreement Between the People's Republic of China and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in China (INFCIRC/369)"; Leonard S. Spector with Jacqueline R. Smith, Nuclear Ambitions, p. 297.]

1988

9/1988: The IAEA Board of Governors approved the voluntary safeguards agreement with China. [Weixing Hu, "China's Nuclear Export Controls: Policy And Regulations," Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1994, pp. 4-5.]

9/20/1988: China and the IAEA signed a voluntary safeguards agreement, the "Agreement of 20 September 1988 Between the People's Republic of China and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in China (INFCIRC/369)," which included a list of the Chinese facilities subject to such safeguards, and established the SSAC. In the agreement, China stated that "it will require the recipient countries to accept safeguards by the [IAEA]...and that nuclear material and equipment imported to China will only be used for peaceful purposes." ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995; Weixing Hu, "China's Nuclear Export Controls: Policy And Regulations," Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1994, p. 5; Leonard S. Spector with Jacqueline R. Smith, Nuclear Ambitions, p. 297, "Agreement Of 20 September 1988 Between The People's Republic Of China And The International Atomic Energy Agency For The Application Of Safeguards In China (INFCIRC/369)."]

1/1988: China and Brazil agreed to apply IAEA safeguards on a joint China-Brazil project to manufacture thorium-fueled reactors. The safeguards would include the construction, security, and restrictions on transfer to third countries of the materials exchanged between them related to this cooperation. [Leonard S. Spector with Jacqueline R. Smith, Nuclear Ambitions, p. 296.]

1987

1987: China signed an agreement in principle with the IAEA, allowing IAEA safeguards of a few of its civilian nuclear facilities. [Gordon Thompson, "A Worldwide Programme For Controlling Fissile Material," in Frank Barnaby, ed., Plutonium and Security: The Military Aspects of the Plutonium Economy (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992), p. 220.]

1985

11/14/1985: A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that China would request all recipient countries to accept IAEA safeguards. [Weixing Hu, "China's Nuclear Export Controls: Policy And Regulations," Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1994, p. 4; Zachary S. Davis, "China's Non-proliferation And Export Control Policies," Strategic Digest, November 1995, p. 1682.]

Fall 1985: China announced it would voluntarily submit a few of its civilian nuclear facilities to IAEA safeguards. ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995; Leonard S. Spector with Jacqueline R. Smith, Nuclear Ambitions, pp. 61-61.]

1/18/1985: Chinese Vice Premier Li Peng stated, "We will maintain good relations of cooperation with the [IAEA] and abide by its stipulations." [Gary Milhollin and Gerard White, "Bombs From Beijing: A Report On China's Nuclear And Missile Exports," May 1991, p. 187.]

1984

9/24/1984: Jiang Xinxiong, Minister of China's Ministry of Nuclear Industry (MNI), stated that China "will take a discreet and responsible attitude so as to assure that cooperation is solely for peaceful purposes," and "will, in exporting its nuclear materials and equipment, request the recipient countries to accept safeguards in line with the principles established by the [IAEA's] statutes." [Gary Milhollin and Gerard White, "Bombs From Beijing: A Report On China's Nuclear And Missile Exports," May 1991, p. 15.]

1/1/1984: China became a member of the IAEA. [Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume 5, p. 335; Yan Kong, "China's Nuclear Bureaucracy," Jane's Intelligence Review, July 1993, p. 326; Robert Shuey and Shirley A. Kan, "Chinese Missile And Nuclear Proliferation: Issues For Congress," CRS Issue Brief, 16 November 1995, p. 9; Zachary S. Davis, "China's Non-proliferation And Export Control Policies," Strategic Digest, November 1995, p. 1682.]

1983

10/11/1983: During the IAEA's 27^th conference, China was admitted as an IAEA member. Wang Shu, Chinese Ambassador to Austria and China's head of delegation to the conference stated:

"We respect the desire of a great many non-nuclear weapon states not to test, use, manufacture, produce and acquire nuclear weapons," but "we cannot go along with any attempt at arbitrary and unilateral widening of the scope of restrictions and controls in the name of strengthening the non-proliferation regime."

"We believe this practice would not be conducive to the development and worldwide peaceful uses of nuclear energy to the economic and scientific development of various countries, as well as to the peace and stability of the world."

Wang stated that although China intended to accept the IAEA statute and fulfill its obligations to the agency, it did not intend to change its critical position on the NPT, which it sees as discriminatory. ["China admitted to atomic agency," Beijing Review, 24 October 1983, p. 13.]

9/1983: China applied for membership in the IAEA. [Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume 5, p. 335; Yan Kong, "China's Nuclear Bureaucracy," Jane's Intelligence Review, July 1993, p. 326; Robert Shuey and Shirley A. Kan, "Chinese Missile And Nuclear Proliferation: Issues For Congress," CRS Issue Brief, 16 November 1995, p. 9; Zachary S. Davis, "China's Non-proliferation And Export Control Policies," Strategic Digest, November 1995, p. 1682.]

8/10/1983: Qi Huaiyuan, Director of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Information Department, stated: "If China joins the [IAEA], it will accept the relevant provisions in the statute of the agency, including the relevant provisions on safeguards." Qi also said that China "will hold consultations with the agency as to whether it will be allowed to continue to exercise nuclear safeguards in Taiwan." Qi stated that China's participation in the IAEA did not indicate a change in China's critical position toward the NPT. ["China to Join Atomic Energy Agency," Beijing Review, 22 August 1983, p. 9.]

[CHINA AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)]

[CHINA'S NATIONAL DEFENSE]

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by MIIS.