U.S. helps China commission nuclear-materials training facility

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) teamed up with the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) late last week to commission China’s new Center of Excellence (COE), a nuclear-security training facility.

This collaborative effort also involved the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the U.S. Defense Department (DoD).

Late last week, DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz joined officials from the NNSA and the CAEA to commission the new facility in Beijing.

“This Center of Excellence is a world-class facility for Chinese, regional, and international nuclear security training and technical exchanges,” Moniz said. “The Department of Energy partnership with China on this effort has been exemplary, and we look forward to continued engagement on nuclear security best practices.”

The facility will provide training in nuclear security for Chinese officials, as well as provide an international location and forum to facilitate bilateral exchanges of nuclear research, among other research sharing.

The U.S. is working with severlal international partners to facilitate stronger security measures in the handling of nuclear material, including the plants that house and fabricate such material.