China Tries to Ease Concerns Over Planned Plutonium Processing Facility

China today sought to reduce concerns over its planned purchase of a German plutonium processing facility, saying the facility would only be used for “peaceful purposes” (see GSN, Dec. 8).

The unused facility, constructed by the German firm Siemens, is designed to convert plutonium into mixed oxide (MOX) fuel for use in nuclear reactors, according to the Associated Press.

“This fuel in China will be used for peaceful purposes I would like to emphasize that,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. 

China and Germany are currently “having discussions” on Chinese assurances over the planned use of the facility, Liu said. “I think the two sides will find a suitable way,” he added (Joe McDonald, Associated Press, Dec. 9).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.