China on Monday reiterated its support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through international efforts in a proper way.

 

The stance was outlined by Sun Qin, head of the Chinese delegation at the 50th Annual Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference held in Vienna.

 

"With joint efforts, rounds of six-party talks were held and positive results achieved," he said.

 

On Iran's nuclear issue, Sun said China consistently supported "the agency in playing a positive role in this issue," adding, "The peaceful settlement of this issue through diplomatic negotiation is the wish of the international community."

 

He also made four proposals to enhance the sound development of the IAEA.

 

Firstly, the IAEA should exert more efforts on Technology Cooperation (TC) programs, said Sun.

 

China hoped that "member states, especially the developed ones, (would) attach more importance to TC programs to ensure the smooth implementation of the agency's responsibility of promotion activities," he said.

 

Secondly, the agency should continue to build and promote a nuclear safety culture "with a purpose of protecting human beings and the environment, formulate and update appropriately safety standards that are beneficial to (the) nuclear industry and help member states improve their nuclear safety performance," said the Chinese delegate.

 

On the third proposal, the agency should provide an enforced guarantee of nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security, said Sun.

 

"China has participated in all of the nuclear non-proliferation mechanisms. At present, China's nuclear export policies and non-proliferation measures are fully in line with the international practice," he said.

 

He finally proposed that the IAEA should play an active role in addressing and properly resolving such nuclear-related hot issues as Iran, North Korea, nuclear fuel supply and nuclear terrorism "within the framework of the agency with joint efforts of the member states."

 

The IAEA session, slated for September 18-22, has drawn high level delegates from the agency's 140 member states.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2006)