Ukraine under attack: China ‘concerned’ about safety of nuclear plants as Russian forces advance

Chinese envoy urges IAEA to address security protection for Ukraine, which is heavily dependent on nuclear energy

Ukrainian nuclear regulators have sought ‘immediate assistance’ to safeguard Chernobyl and other plants, UN nuclear watchdog says

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An employee takes part in a memorial ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, in April 2021. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:01pm, 3 Mar 2022Updated: 12:52pm, 9 Mar 2022

China has called on all parties concerned to ensure the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, as fears mount over a potential environmental disaster amid an intensifying military offensive by Russia in the former Soviet state.

Addressing an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s top officials, China’s envoy Wang Qun also urged member states to “avoid politicising institute-related affairs”.

“The responsibility for nuclear safety and security rests with sovereign states, and related issues should be handled through established procedures,” Wang – China’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna – told the UN nuclear watchdog’s board of governors on Wednesday.

“China is concerned about the safety, security and safeguards of nuclear facilities in Ukraine,” Wang said, according to a statement by the Chinese mission to the UN and other international organisations in Vienna.

Without naming Russia or Ukraine, Wang urged that countries work to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

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