China Monday submitted a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ratifying an international deal to launch the world's first experimental fusion reactor.

 

Tang Guoqiang, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, submitted to IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei the ratification letter which was signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

 

China, in line with the deal, will fulfill its obligations and contribute its share to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, Tang said.

 

ElBaradei praised China's active research in the field of atomic fusion technology, saying the country's access to the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization is of great significance to the project.

 

In 2006, China added its signature to a deal establishing the international organization, bringing about a partnership with the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

 

The first ITER site will be built in Cadarache, France.

 

The 11-billion-euro (US$14-billion) ITER project, aimed at developing sustainable energy production, is the largest ever international scientific research program.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2007)