Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan urged to accelerate the construction of nuclear power plants.

During his recent inspection of Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute, Zeng said accelerating nuclear power construction would help to improve China's energy structure, boost the development of related industries and safeguard the national economic and energy security.

After more than 20 years of efforts, Zeng said, China now has the ability to build 300,000 kilowatt-level and 600,000 kilowatt-level nuclear power stations. It can also manufacture key equipment for one million kilowatt-level nuclear power stations.

He said that in certain important fields, China has approached or reached internationally advanced levels in the construction of nuclear power stations.

In addition, the country has already established a rapid response system conforming to international norms to deal with nuclear safety and nuclear accidents.

He said China should try to design, build, manufacture and operate the plants in reliance with its own efforts while enhancing international cooperation, in particular in project-related technology bidding and technical introduction.

He also urged to promptly establish a national nuclear technology company.

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2004)