The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday commended China for its “significant progress” in developing a robust nuclear safety system, highlighting the country’s successful integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance oversight and decision-making processes.
The praise came at the conclusion of a 12-day review mission conducted by the IAEA’s Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team, which evaluated all nuclear facilities and activities in China.
According to an IAEA statement, the IRRS team noted that China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear program has been matched by improvements in regulatory effectiveness, especially in the application of AI to knowledge management and regulatory oversight—considered by the team a global model for the future, according to news agencies.
“China’s achievements over the past decade are remarkable,” said Mark Foy, head of the IAEA expert team. “Its development of a safety culture and use of artificial intelligence set an example for other nations.”
The 24-member expert team included representatives from 17 IAEA member states, a Japanese observer, and several IAEA staff.
While praising China’s strides, the IRRS team also provided a set of recommendations to further improve its regulatory framework, including updating inspection protocols and documentation; enhancing emergency preparedness; strengthening oversight of safety culture; revising manuals to align with IAEA standards; clarifying protective measures for nuclear or radiological emergencies.
China was applauded for voluntarily requesting the review — a gesture seen as a sign of transparency and commitment to continuous improvement.
Baotong Dong, China’s Vice Minister of Environment and Director of the China Nuclear Safety Administration, stated that the IAEA’s review is a testament to the effectiveness of China’s nuclear regulatory system. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern, globally integrated nuclear safety framework.
Karine Hervieux, IAEA Deputy Director General, echoed the sentiment, adding that China’s openness to external evaluation reflects a model of accountability and global cooperation.
China, currently the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear reactors after the U.S., runs 59 units generating around 5% of its electricity, with 32 more under construction and plans for 21 additional reactors.
The IAEA is expected to deliver its final report within three months, which China intends to make public. A follow-up IRRS mission is also being considered as part of ongoing regulatory development.
