China is set to strengthen its nuclear cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Huang Ping, Secretary General of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) said on Monday, as he highlighted the country's growing nuclear industry and longtime cooperation with international agencies that will help provide high-quality products and services.
The First China-GCC Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology opened on Monday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, gathering officials and nuclear experts from China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other GCC countries to discuss opportunities, challenges and collaborative solutions for the development of nuclear energy technology.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on the sidelines of the forum, Huang noted that China has a fast-growing nuclear industry, with nuclear technologies used across many industries and sectors, while the country's longtime cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is helping it to provide high-quality products and services.
"Nuclear technologies are widely applied across many areas, including industry, agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, and safety. Back in 2015, the industry had a scale of about 300 billion yuan (over 41 billion U.S. dollars) and by 2022, the number grew to 700 billion yuan (about 96 billion U.S. dollars)," said Huang.
"Through our cooperation with IAEA, we have built a comprehensive nuclear safety regulatory system in China. Based on this, we can further cooperate with the IAEA and provide products and services to more developing countries," he added.
Huang said a nuclear security demonstration center that will be established under the strengthened collaboration will help GCC countries enhance security capacity and promote the development of their nuclear energy sectors.
"Currently, an important project we are working on is the establishment of a China-GCC nuclear security demonstration center. This project will help improve the GCC countries' ability to prevent nuclear terrorism, ensure public safety, and better promote the development of their nuclear energy sectors," he said.
China to strengthen nuclear cooperation with GCC countries: official
Attractions across China are embracing a tourist boom during the five-day May Day holiday season beginning on Thursday.
In south China's Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a mega bridge connecting Guangdong's Zhuhai City with neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The total number of visits of the bridge during the holiday has exceeded 6,800, about 50 percent more than that on normal days.
"I am indeed feeling very proud [of this mega project], a big thumbs-up for our great country!" said a tourist surnamed Ke.
In the Tianmen Mountain scenic area in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, performances featuring local folk customs are amazing tourists from home and abroad.
"I think it's really traditional in China, the costumes and the dance. We really like it," said tourist Julie from France.
"I love the performance. I felt like it was very immersive, and with the view, it's crazy. I'll recommend everyone thinking of coming here for sure," said tourist Duarte from Portugal.
In northwest China's Gansu Province, the famous Mogao Grottoes are also see a peak of visits during the holiday, as the tickets, which are limited to 6,000 per day, would all sell out well in advance.
Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Grottoes are home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks, with more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals located in 735 caves, carved along the cliffs by ancient worshipers.
In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, more than 1,900 meters above sea level, had the ice floes on it thawed just before the holiday, offering tourists a breathtaking view.
"This is my first time to visit the lake. The view is shockingly beautiful when you see it in person!" said tourist Chen Yanru from northeast China's Liaoning Province.
Xinjiang's Manas county is a famous destination for self-driving tours because of the region's diverse natural landscapes, such as yardangs, the Danxia landform, river valleys, canyons, alpine meadows and forests.
"It's a very worthwhile trip for the holiday. I am amazed by the picturesque scenery of Xinjiang," said tourist Zhou Chenchong from Shanghai.
Attractions across China embrace May Day holiday tourism boom
