China unswervingly pursues the policy of nuclear non-proliferation and upholds the comprehensive ban and complete destruction of nuclear weapons, a senior Chinese official said on Monday.

"China opposes proliferation of nuclear weapons in all forms, and actively takes part in international cooperation in non-proliferation," said Zhang Huazhu, head of the Chinese delegation to the 48th session of the International Atomic General Conference (IAEA).

In the past few years, he said, the Chinese Government took a series of measures concerning non-proliferation and prevention of nuclear terrorist activities, contributing to the international endeavor of non-proliferation.

China, which supports the IAEA's efforts in promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of its safeguards regime, was the first among the five nuclear weapon states to ratify the Additional Protocol to Safeguards Agreement in 2002, making a new contribution to the construction of an international non-proliferation regime, he said.

Zhang said in 2003 the Chinese Government promulgated a White Paper entitled "China's Non-Proliferation Policies and Measures," which illustrates a systematic description of China's determination and sincerity in this aspect.

He said China stands for modification of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials, and has played a constructive role in the process of modification. "We hope signatory states will reach agreement on the content of modification at an early date."

"China has so far signed or acceded to all international treaties or conventions on nuclear non-proliferation and relevant international organizations. China will perform its international duties in a highly sincere and conscientious sense," the Chinese official said.

Referring to the promotion of activities, Zhang said China has co-operated widely with the IAEA and its member states in nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear safety and radiation protection, applications of nuclear technology and personnel training, with positive results.

According to rough statistics by 2003, China had dispatched more than 2,000 persons to other member states for training and scientific visits, he said.

On behalf of the Chinese Government, Zhang announced that China will make an extra-budgetary contribution of US$1 million to the IAEA, which will be used to support technical cooperation programs designed for developing countries and the endeavor of strengthening nuclear security.

"By the end of 2003, China had made voluntary contributions of US$13 million to the IAEA," he said.

(China Daily September 22, 2004)