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said that people often thought the problem solely concerned the disposal of the ash produced at coal fired plants. They overlooked the enormous qualities of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide and other toxic products. that were discharged into the atmosphere through the chimneys of coal fired stations. With regard to China's attitude towards nuclear safety, Dr. Blix said that they were taking this most seriously. Vice Premier Li Peng who was keen to see China further expand its nuclear programme was very conscious that the plants at Qinshan and Daya Bay would have to be safe and successful since any incidents at these plants would be fully exploited by those opposed to an expanded nuclear programme.
12.
Turning to China's nuclear research programme, Dr. Blix said that they had been very impressed with the quality of the Chinese scientists and engineers involved : wideranging advanced level research was being undertaken including experimental work in 'fusion' (similar in nature to that being undertaken in Japan and France). Commenting on the quality of Chinese nuclear engineers, Mrs. Chan said that one concern in Hong Kong in relation to the Daya Bay project had been that some people feared the operators of the power station would not be of an adequate standard and would lack experience in running a complex nuclear facility. In reply, Dr. Blix said that this had not proved a problem in Taiwan or Korea who had similarly embarked on nuclear programmes. He thought it was unlikely to be a problem in respect to Daya Bay. In this regard, he noted that China was currently sending many engineers overseas to receive training in nuclear technology and broaden their horizons. China had also become more open towards inviting foreign experts to visit China with the purpose of introducing modern management techniques and quality assurance methodologies. In these areas the resources of the IAEA were being fully tapped and China was also gainfully exploiting its technical co-operation agreements