China and USA discuss peaceful uses of nuclear energy

Eighth meeting discussed new issue areas for potential cooperation.

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) recently held their 8th Joint Coordinating Committee meeting of the 1998 U.S.-China Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology Agreement or PUNT.

Both sides also agreed on the need for strengthened technical collaboration in nuclear energy technologies; safeguards and security; environment and waste management; nuclear emergency management and radioactive source security.

NNSA and NEA meet annually at the PUNT Joint Coordinating Committee meeting to manage and oversee bilateral technical cooperation. PUNT is a formal government-to-government mechanism established to support the civilian development of nuclear energy in both countries while addressing nuclear security, safety and proliferation risks.

NEA leads U.S.-China PUNT discussions and is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Atomic Energy Authority and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.