Nuclear cooperation discussed in U.K.-China meeting

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last week and discussed possibilities in increasing nuclear cooperation.

During the meeting, Li stated that China is in the transition phase between its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and nuclear energy production. The World Nuclear Association (WNA) reports that there are currently 24 nuclear reactors under construction in China and the country has 30 in operation.

The WNA also states that China intends to have approximately 150 gigawatts of nuclear generation capacity by the year 2030. As a result of the development of China’s nuclear industry, this provides opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, the premier said. He also indicated that China was interested in facilitating increased collaborative measures with the U.K.

Hammond agreed, and stated that the U.K. is also interested in working with China in nuclear areas and in other international affairs. Both officials noted that relations between the U.K. and China have been improving, and this was apparent in President Xi Jinping's visit in 2015, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China stated.