The first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology has been held in Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province. The Forum was hosted by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and brought together officials and nuclear experts from China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other GCC countries. The focus was on enhancing nuclear collaboration and promoting clean energy development.
In his opening speech, CAEA Director Shan Zhongde emphasised China’s commitment to supporting the development needs of GCC countries through its comprehensive nuclear industry system, strong technological innovation, and skilled talent pool. He cited progress in platform development, application promotion, project implementation, and personnel training.
He also called for deeper collaboration under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. He urged all parties to work together in building “a shared nuclear community characterised by safety and beauty,” strengthening nuclear security frameworks, and advancing innovation-driven cooperation. “China is ready to work with GCC countries and like-minded partners to ensure nuclear technologies better benefit all nations,” he said.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi thanked China for fostering dialogue on climate change mitigation, the clean energy transition, and peaceful nuclear technology applications. He praised China’s achievements in nuclear safety and development, noting that the peaceful use of nuclear energy remains a top priority for Gulf states.
According to CAEA, China has in recent years enhanced collaboration with Gulf Arab states in terms of nuclear energy and nuclear technology applications. In the nuclear energy sector, China and the UAE signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy, advancing partnerships in reactor operation, fuel supply and personnel training. In the case of Saudi Arabia, joint efforts focus on uranium-thorium exploration, nuclear safety and public security.
On the nuclear technology front, China’s radiation detection equipment has been widely exported to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, playing a key role in major events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Dubai Expo. Meanwhile, Chinese firms and universities have partnered with Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in the fields of nuclear medicine and basic research, CAEA noted.
During the event, CAEA and the Saudi Nuclear & Radiological Regulatory Commission signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and emergency response. The agreement outlines joint efforts in personnel exchanges, training programmes, technical cooperation, and the creation of a bilateral working group.
