Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said Sunday China should vigorously promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and strengthen its self-innovation to ensure the sound, fast and safe development of China's nuclear industry.

Zhang made the remarks at a nuclear work conference in Beijing. He affirmed the achievements that China's nuclear industry has accomplished and the contribution it has made to the country's national defense and social and economic development in the past 55 years.

Zhang also said China should increase efforts to boost the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

The country should introduce advanced nuclear technologies developed abroad and strengthen cooperation and communication with leading nuclear companies, he said.

Zhang also said China should improve its self-innovation capacity and accelerate the translation of technological results into real-life productivity.