TNAG-1501-FCO40-2059-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 173

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early stages. Asked whether the disaster changed the attitude of Chinese authorities towards cooperation with the Soviet Union in the field of nuclear energy, Song Jian stated that cooperation with the USSR in general does not seem very attractive, as the technology offered is 'too expensive' and 'their attitude rather impolite'. Nevertheless, he did not deny plans for a nuclear energy delegation to visit the Soviet Union in the near future.

Song Jian stressed that China adheres to IEA safety norms in the construction of nuclear power plants. Nevertheless, he said, the Chernobyl disaster has made it clear that ' even better' safety measures should be taken. After the disaster, the Nuclear Safety Administration under SSTC reported to the National People's Congress, and more money and manpower will be made available. In consultation with Great Britain and France, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the Deya Bay nuclear power plant. Song Jian proposed that Great Britain and China then ussue a joint declaration on the safety of this nuclear power plant for the benefit of the people of Hongkong. At any rate, he recognised ex- plicitly that it was not only up to the British government in its administering capacity for Hongkong to reassure the Hongkong population in this respect.

Asked how Chinese authorities will address the problem of increasing environmental pollution, Song Jian conceded, that the measures taken were far from sufficient mainly due to lack of funds, especially in rural areas. He pointed out that coal gassification and desulpherisation of coal, necessary to reduce harmful side effects of coal-generated power, are extremely expensive.

The question whether certain countries were accorded priority in cooperation in specific areas of S&T was answered in the negative. Song Jian said that in general cooperation in S&T depends on the possibi- lities offered and cited China's extensive cooperation with Japan as a result of its proximity and its attrac- tive price level, as an example.

He stated however, that, in view of its high level