Chinese President Xi Jinping recently spoke on the use of nuclear energy by raising the vivid analogy of Prometheus, the Greek god who brought fire to humanity. While nuclear technology has the power to generate a bright future for mankind, Xi warned that without effective safeguards for nuclear safety and an adequate response to potential security risks, that same power could be overshadowed by the darkness of disaster.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (4th L, front) poses for a group photo during the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, March 25, 2014. [Xinhua]

The Chinese leader's remarks were made on March 24 at the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, during which he also elaborated comprehensively on China's approach to nuclear security.

Observers said it is the first time China has proposed a systematic solution to world nuclear security, which will be of great constructive significance for strengthening nuclear security for a safe world. In the meantime, it embodies China's willingness to undertake its role as a responsible power.

A systematic approach

In his statement, President Xi suggested that to enhance nuclear security, the world should place equal emphasis on development and security, rights and obligations, independent and collaborative efforts, as well as on treating symptoms and addressing causes.

As for the four-point proposal, observers said it has included all the key elements that are needed to bring nuclear security onto a healthy track for sustainable development, such as how to understand the situation, find a solution and cooperate with each other.

Chen Kai, Secretary General of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said the first two points of the proposal reflect the Chinese philosophy of balance in its nuclear security approach. "The balance of capacity and responsibility as well as of rights and obligations is practical as it is based on the uneven development of global nuclear capacity," he said.

"The levels of nuclear energy development are different in different countries, and their capacities, interests and responsibilities should therefore vary," said Chen. "But all in all, the development of nuclear energy should be founded on the premise of security."