Nuclear security a priority

China has engaged in multi-layered international cooperation and cultivated a strong drive for enhanced global security

Four years ago, under the initiative of US President Barack Obama, the first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington D.C., which set in motion the nuclear security summit process.  [Special coverage]

On Monday and Tuesday, the third Nuclear Security Summit will take place in the Netherlands. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend to discuss the future development of the nuclear security summit with other world leaders.

The fact that world leaders meet regularly to talk about nuclear security speaks to the importance of this issue. Nuclear security bears on international security, and is linked with the "Chinese dream", the realization of national renewal by the Chinese people. The "Chinese dream" calls for an international environment of universal security. While working to turn the "Chinese dream" into reality, the Chinese people are more than happy to contribute their share to enhanced international security.

President Xi's presence at the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands bears testimony to China's commitment to its new security concept and enhanced universal security. It is also an embodiment of the importance the Chinese government attaches to nuclear security and international security as a whole.

Nuclear security has a direct bearing on international security, and enhanced global nuclear security offers a major vehicle for international security. Its significance is reflected as follows:

First, nuclear security is a "safety valve" to ensure the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Only secure development of nuclear energy can be sustainable. Rather than posing a hurdle to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, enhanced nuclear security serves as a defensive line for its safer development.

Second, nuclear security is a "shield" against nuclear terrorism. A combination of terrorism and nuclear materials will be an international security nightmare of the worst type. Enhanced nuclear security aims to effectively strengthen the protection of nuclear facilities and nuclear materials in order to keep potential risks under check.

Third, nuclear security is a "booster" for building security-related mutual trust at the regional level. Nuclear accident knows no border. What goes wrong with nuclear security in one country can cause harm to its neighbors through multiple channels. Countries in the same region should take proactive and targeted measures of cooperation to allay each other's concerns.