Zhao Lijian

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said there is no cause for concern toward the nuclear energy cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, at Thursday’s media briefing.

“China has been actively promoting the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy globally in a responsible manner,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.

China and Saudi Arabia have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. In recent years, bilateral relations have been developing steadily and healthily. The two sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in various fields and maintained normal energy cooperation, he said.

Zhao noted that China will continue to strictly abide by its international non-proliferation obligations, cooperate with other countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy on the basis of mutual respect and benefit, and make contributions to global sustainable development.

It came after reports that Israel and the US were concerned about China-Saudi Arabia cooperation in nuclear power, citing possible safety issues. Some Western media, without proof, even claimed the cooperation shows Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for nuclear weapons with China’s help.