China, Saudi Arabia strengthen nuclear safety collaboration

China and Saudi Arabia have pledged to deepen nuclear security cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Nuclear Energy Development Safety and Security at the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday. 

The MoU signed between the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and Saudi Arabia's nuclear regulator aims to strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and emergency response through personnel exchanges, training programs, technical consultations and the creation of joint working groups. 

At the first China-GCC Summit, held in Riyadh on December 9, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that in the next three to five years, China will work with GCC countries in some priority areas, including setting up a new paradigm of all-dimensional energy cooperation, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Xi announced a plan of a China-GCC forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology and a China-GCC nuclear security demonstration center. He also noted that China will provide training opportunities to GCC countries on peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology.

The first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology is held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 21, 2025. Photo: Hu Yuwei/GT

Hosted by the CAEA, the forum on Monday gathered officials and nuclear experts from China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other GCC countries.

Many officials praised China's sustainable nuclear energy development and nuclear safety record, calling for coordinated efforts to address challenges, promote cooperation and pursue shared growth.

In recent years, China has strengthened collaboration with GCC countries in nuclear energy and technological applications. In nuclear energy, China signed a government-level agreement with the UAE on peaceful nuclear cooperation, steadily advancing practical collaboration in nuclear power operation and maintenance, nuclear fuel supply, and talent training. With Saudi Arabia, China has engaged in uranium-thorium resource exploration, nuclear safety, and security exchanges, the Global Times learned from the CAEA.

China has exported batches of radiation detection equipment to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which have been widely used at major events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Dubai Expo.

Chinese enterprises and universities have also established strong partnerships with Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in nuclear medicine diagnostics and basic nuclear research.

China-GCC cooperation on peaceful nuclear technology has contributed to regional peace, improved livelihoods, and shared prosperity, the CAEA said.