China’s lawmakers have voted to adopt the atomic energy law, which passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). The law comprises 62 articles in eight chapters. The NPC began discussing the draft atomic energy law in April, with an aim promoting the sound and sustainable development of the atomic energy industry with strengthened security.
The law supports the peaceful use of atomic energy, encourages international exchanges and cooperation in this regard, and advocates sharing the achievements of peaceful atomic energy applications. It also states that China will fulfil its obligations as stipulated in the international treaties it has concluded or acceded to. The law prohibits all forms of nuclear proliferation activities, guards against and responds to the threat of nuclear terrorism, and promotes the building of a fair, cooperative, and win-win international nuclear security system. It also stipulates the establishment of a nuclear security system to strengthen the security of research, development and use of nuclear energy. The law will take effect on 15 January 2026.
