China Advances Nuclear Legal Framework with IAEA Support and New Training

To support this legal transition, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a legislative assistance mission in China from May 26 to 30, 2025, at the request of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

China’s push to modernize and expand its nuclear energy sector is entering a critical legal phase, as the country moves closer to adopting its first comprehensive Atomic Energy Law. The draft legislation, currently undergoing its legislative approval process, passed its second review in April 2025 by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). This major milestone comes amid China’s rapid nuclear expansion, which now accounts for nearly half of all nuclear reactors under construction worldwide.

To support this legal transition, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a legislative assistance mission in China from May 26 to 30, 2025, at the request of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). The mission included six bilateral meetings and the country’s first-ever IAEA national training course on nuclear law, held across Beijing and Hainan Province, and drew more than 60 participants from over 20 national organizations.

China’s Nuclear Boom Meets Legal Modernization

With its aggressive nuclear expansion, including the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) and investment in nuclear fusion technologies, China is poised to become a world leader in nuclear innovation. However, the scale and complexity of this ambition demand a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

Opening the training course, Jinjun Wang, Deputy Director General of the CAEA, emphasized the importance of international cooperation:

“International engagement like this course is vital for developing a robust and modernized national legal framework, one that nurtures a well-informed nuclear industry. It also strengthens future global collaboration by deepening our understanding of the international legal framework and other countries’ legal systems.”

A Historic Step Toward National Nuclear Legislation

The legislative assistance mission followed a high-level meeting in April at the IAEA Headquarters and builds on discussions from the October 2024 high-level meeting focusing on China’s draft Atomic Energy Law. The legislation is expected to address nuclear safety, security, safeguards, liability, and waste management.

Chen Guogang, Deputy Director General of the State Law Department of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC, acknowledged the IAEA’s role:

“The IAEA’s recent support on our draft Atomic Energy Law was highly appreciated and has been instrumental in our efforts to strengthen the national nuclear legal framework.”

He noted that the law, once adopted, will form the backbone for future regulation on key areas such as radioactive waste management and civil liability for nuclear damage.

Linglong-1: A Case Study in New Nuclear Technology

The training course in Hainan Province took place near the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, home to Linglong-1 (ACP100)—the world’s first onshore commercial small modular reactor (SMR). Hosted with the support of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and its subsidiaries, the training involved legal experts, technical organizations, law firms, and academic institutions.

The inclusion of a site visit to the SMR project underscores China’s strategic commitment to next-generation nuclear technologies and the need for tailored legal structures to accommodate their unique safety and operational considerations.

High-Level Engagement Across the Nuclear Ecosystem

During the mission, IAEA officials met with senior representatives from:

• Legislative Committee of the NPC

• China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)

• National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA)

• State Nuclear Security Technology Center (SNSTC)

• China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)

• China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE)

Zhaohui Li, CNNC’s General Counsel, affirmed the corporation’s intent to deepen its legal capabilities and share operational insights:

“CNNC intends to increase participation in the Agency’s nuclear law-related activities as an opportunity to build our own capabilities while also sharing China’s operational experience within the framework of the country’s legal system.”

Building Legal Capacity and Global Partnerships

Led by Anthony Wetherall, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear and Treaty Law Section, the training addressed terminology, best practices, and legal instrument implementation. Legal expert Abdelmadjid Cherf, former IAEA Senior Legal Officer, delivered sessions on national legal structures and obligations under international treaties.

Wetherall noted in his closing remarks:

“The continuous development of a robust and comprehensive national legal framework, together with a growing pool of professionals knowledgeable in nuclear law, can help underpin the country’s rapid progress in nuclear technology development.”

A Foundation for Future Cooperation

The mission, organized through the IAEA’s Legislative Assistance Programme and the Technical Cooperation Programme, lays the groundwork for future collaboration between China and the IAEA in advancing nuclear law and regulatory capacity. It also signifies China’s increasing openness to engaging with international legal standards as its role in the global nuclear community grows.

With the Atomic Energy Law nearing adoption and the rapid development of SMRs and fusion technologies, China’s next steps in legal reform will be pivotal in shaping the safety, sustainability, and acceptance of its nuclear program—both domestically and globally.