China Monday submitted a letter to the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) ratifying an international deal to launch the
world's first experimental fusion reactor.
Tang Guoqiang, China's permanent representative to the United
Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, submitted
to IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei the ratification letter which was
signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao.
China, in line with the deal, will fulfill its obligations and
contribute its share to the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, Tang said.
ElBaradei praised China's active research in the field of atomic
fusion technology, saying the country's access to the ITER
International Fusion Energy Organization is of great significance
to the project.
In 2006, China added its signature to a deal establishing the
international organization, bringing about a partnership with the
European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United
States.
The first ITER site will be built in Cadarache, France.
The 11-billion-euro (US$14-billion) ITER project, aimed at
developing sustainable energy production, is the largest ever
international scientific research program.
(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2007)
