The first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology is held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 21, 2025. Photo: Hu Yuwei/GT

China and Saudi Arabia have pledged to deepen nuclear security cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Nuclear Energy Development Safety and Security at the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday. 

The MoU signed between the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and Saudi Arabia's nuclear regulator aims to strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and emergency response through personnel exchanges, training programs, technical consultations and the creation of joint working groups. 

At the first China-GCC Summit, held in Riyadh on December 9, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that in the next three to five years, China will work with GCC countries in some priority areas, including setting up a new paradigm of all-dimensional energy cooperation, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Xi announced a plan of a China-GCC forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology and a China-GCC nuclear security demonstration center. He also noted that China will provide training opportunities to GCC countries on peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology.

Hosted by the CAEA, the forum on Monday gathered officials and nuclear experts from China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other GCC countries.

Many officials praised China's sustainable nuclear energy development and nuclear safety record, calling for coordinated efforts to address challenges, promote cooperation and pursue shared growth.

In recent years, China has strengthened collaboration with GCC countries in nuclear energy and technological applications. In nuclear energy, China signed a government-level agreement with the UAE on peaceful nuclear cooperation, steadily advancing practical collaboration in nuclear power operation and maintenance, nuclear fuel supply, and talent training. With Saudi Arabia, China has engaged in uranium-thorium resource exploration, nuclear safety, and security exchanges, the Global Times learned from the CAEA.

China has exported batches of radiation detection equipment to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which have been widely used at major events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Dubai Expo. Chinese enterprises and universities have also established strong partnerships with Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in nuclear medicine diagnostics and basic nuclear research. China-GCC cooperation on peaceful nuclear technology has contributed to regional peace, improved livelihoods, and shared prosperity, the CAEA said.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi (in white) talks to CAEA Director Shan Zhongde (left) at the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 21, 2025. Photo: Hu Yuwei/GT

CAEA Director Shan Zhongde stated in the opening address that China will continue to uphold true multilateralism, pursue excellence, honor its commitments and work with all partners to promote international nuclear cooperation, share technical expertise, and contribute resources to build a community with a shared future of peace, mutual benefit and common prosperity.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi told the Global Times that, "Politically, we closely coordinate [with China] to address challenges, promote Middle East stability, and support peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts. Economically, China is GCC's top trading partner. Nuclear cooperation is a key pillar of our partnership." 

The official said that the GCC sees this forum as a vital opportunity to enhance energy security and develop peaceful nuclear capabilities "to the highest international standards." 

He added that the GCC seeks to leverage China's advanced experience in nuclear safety, regulation, and technology - through knowledge sharing and infrastructure development - to strengthen energy security and advance sustainable development goals, while promoting green technologies, he noted.

With nuclear energy becoming a key pillar in global efforts to meet "dual carbon" goals, the application and promotion of nuclear technology worldwide is entering a new era of competition. At the same time, China's nuclear power plants have maintained a high record for their safety. In recent years, China has also provided many countries with "Chinese wisdom" and "Chinese solutions" for the application of nuclear energy technology.  

Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission Khalid Aleissa, who is also a senior nuclear engineer, told the Global Times that he has closely followed China's nuclear development and is deeply impressed by how China has made tremendous progress, driven by its determination to establish nuclear energy as a major power source. 

"China is a leading nuclear nation with the world's second-largest nuclear enterprise, covering the full industry value chain. It's great that China is willing to cooperate with GCC countries and Saudi Arabia. While the nuclear industry in our region is still young, it is growing rapidly. Good partnerships will ensure rapid progress," he said.

Huang Ping, secretary-general of the CAEA, told reporters that many countries still face talent shortages and regulatory weaknesses, making it critical to improve project execution, develop human capital and strengthen leadership cooperation. He said that through international collaboration, China has built a comprehensive domestic nuclear safety regulatory framework and trained large numbers of professionals using cutting-edge technology and standards., He also mentioned that China plans to provide more technical services and products globally to promote shared growth.