The government had promulgated a series of laws and regulations on how civilian organs should transport, utilize and store nuclear materials.

It also reformed the leadership structure of its departments in charge of nuclear issues. Under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, a nuclear security bureau has been set up.

Under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, a bureau of national defense science and industry has been established to take over the management of civilian nuclear affairs from the military authority.

"It is fair to say that China has been one of the most successful countries in dealing with nuclear security issues," said Teng.

Chinese President Hu Jintao made a five-point proposal at the Nuclear Security Summit that concluded in Washington last week that all nuclear countries should keep their facilities and materials safe and improve the abilities of developing countries to deal with nuclear security threats.

Teng said Hu's attendance at the summit had been a strong signal of China's commitment to participate in multilateral nuclear cooperation as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nuclear country.

The government would build nuclear security demonstration centers in east China to train personnel from developing countries to operate nuclear facilities safely.

"China's major shift to a position that supports nuclear non-proliferation also showcases a positive image in the international community," Teng said.