China's work on nuclear protection has gained international recognition. A recent report titled Securing China's Nuclear Future jointly released by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University and China shows that since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, China has greatly strengthened the security of its nuclear facilities. Zhang Hui, a senior researcher with Harvard University and an author of the report, said China possesses the smallest quantity of nuclear materials among the five nuclear powers, in keeping with its defensive nuclear policy under which the country minimizes its nuclear stock. Thus, it is much easier for China to maintain the security of its nuclear materials.

In an interview with China Central Television, David Santoro, a senior researcher with the Pacific Forum under the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said over the past 10 years and even further back, China has done a lot to improve its nuclear security credentials. This is evidenced by the many efforts it has made internally and in cooperation with others at both the regional level and the global level.

International progress

In the final communique of The Hague Nuclear Security Summit, leaders and representatives from 53 countries and international organizations reaffirmed the fundamental responsibility of countries "to maintain at all times effective security" of all nuclear and other radioactive materials. Observers claimed that the summit represented a major step forward and a fitting follow-up to the agreements made at earlier summits in Washington, D.C. and Seoul.

"The summit has become an important platform for international nuclear security cooperation with remarkable achievements having been made," Liu said. "Since the 2010 summit, the international community has deepened their understanding on nuclear security and expanded their consensus on the issue."

According to Liu, since the 2012 summit, 16 countries have ratified the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials and its 2005 amendment; nine countries have approved the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism; 22 countries have enhanced measures on border control and combating nuclear material smuggling; 32 countries have improved nuclear security supervision and legislation; and seven countries have eliminated their highly enriched uranium.

Wang of the CAEA said the latest communique will promote the establishment of a global nuclear security system.

"The most important points of the communique include underlining the central position of the IAEA in the international nuclear security framework and supporting the UN's role in nuclear security and in promoting the ratification and implementation of international conventions on combating nuclear terrorism," Wang said.