China sets higher standard for nuclear security
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GT: How is China's nuclear security?
Li Bin: Generally speaking, arms control talks deal with three relationships. The first is the one between countries, like the nuclear disarmament agreement between the US and Russia. The second is the relationship between the military and civilians, like the treaty to ban the use of landmines and to limit military operations targeted at civilians. Finally, there are the domestic problems that all countries are facing, like nuclear security. We are all at risk if terrorists obtain nuclear materials.
China has kept a firmly positive attitude on issues of nuclear security, because it does not want its own nuclear materials to be exposed to danger. But there are many tasks that China needs to deal with.
For example, during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, nuclear security was high on the security agenda. China has made great efforts in this field, but has seldom released information on it to the public.
China will definitely continue to contribute to this at the summit.
Li: It's a good thing that China attends this summit. As one of the global powers, China should take responsibility in important international affairs, and express its principles and policies in such an important diplomatic occasion.
The Nuclear Security Summit is a result of Obama's attempts to work toward a nuclear-free world. This is a good thing to advocate diplomatically, but the goal still remains far away.
GT: What results are expected to come from this summit?
Li Bin: The summit is going to publish a document of consensus. In this document, all countries will announce their support for the global efforts on nuclear security. Enhancing the protection of nuclear materials will be the key point in the announcement.
The summit will not discuss disputed topics too much, since the purpose of the event is to seek mutual agreement and support.
According to Obama's expectations, it will be the first step to achieving a consensus on nuclear security issues, and more and more issues will be discussed under this framework.
To understand the role of this international summit, we need to understand that nuclear security is not only a domestic question, but one that the whole of international security is concerned about.
GT: Russia and the US just reached an agreement on nuclear disarmament. What is its impact on nuclear security, especially for China?
