PLA: military's nuclear facilities operating under 'safe conditions'

By Ma Yuijia: 0 Comments Print E-mail China.org.cn, March 31, 2011

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Following the earthquake-related nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant this month, China's military leaders took pains to ensure citizens that the government holds nuclear safety as a top priority.

Sr. Col. Geng Yansheng, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense [China.org.cn]

On Thursday, China issued a white paper on national defense, aiming to enhance its military transparency and boost the world's trust in China's commitment to peaceful development. In addition, Chinese PLA officials held a press conference and answered questions from reporters.

"After the nuclear leak at the Fukushima nuclear plant, we immediately conducted a review on our military nuclear facilities and found out that they are currently operating under safe conditions," said Sr. Col. Cai Huailie, deputy director-general of the Strategic Planning Bureau of the Operations Department, General Staff Headquarters.

"China places high importance on nuclear safety and we give top priority to the absolute safety and reliability of nuclear weapons," Cai added.

Sr. Col. Geng Yansheng, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said that over the years, the Chinese government and military have stepped up efforts to build eight professional emergency units, which include one unit for nuclear safety. All emergency personnel have undergone extensive professional training, Geng said.

The mission of the nuclear safety unit is to carry out thorough supervision of all nuclear weapon facilities as well as other nuclear-related equipments and activities throughout China. Should any nuclear safety-related incidents occur, this unit will play a key role in coordinating the government's response.

By deploying this special unit to oversee supervision, "we are ensuring nuclear safety in China," Cai said.