"China attaches great importance to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy," and has actively carried out cooperation and exchanges with relevant countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Li Baodong, head of the Chinese delegation to the conference to review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), said Tuesday.

Li, also the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement as he was speaking at the general debate of the review conference, which entered its second day here Tuesday.

"It has actively carried out cooperation and exchanges with relevant countries and the IAEA on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, under the prerequisite of strictly abiding by non-proliferation obligations stipulated in the NPT and within its own capability," he said. "It has made positive contributions to the cause of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the region and in the world at large."

"To vigorously promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and related international cooperation is one of the major objectives of the NPT, and requires concrete measures by all parties," he said.

"Peaceful uses of nuclear energy are the legitimate rights of all states parties that should be fully respected and safeguarded," he said. "Development of nuclear energy bears great significance for many developing countries to address challenges such as energy crisis and climate change."

"The international community has the obligation to provide all necessary assistance to developing countries in their peaceful uses of nuclear energy," he said. "The IAEA should continue to play an active role in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and related international cooperation."

"Developed countries should actively assist developing countries in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," he said. "The international community should also explore, through extensive consultations, ways of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and of preventing nuclear proliferation."