Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING347
2007-01-16 06:35:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
SECRETARY OF ENERGY BODMAN'S MEETING WITH
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000347
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR OES/WATSON, OES/EGC-DEROSA-JOYNT AND OES/PCI
STATE FOR EAP/CM - WARD
STATE PASS TO CEQ CONNAUGHTON AND BANKS
NSC FOR HUNTER, SHRIER, TONG
USDOE FOR INTERNATIONAL/HARBERT, PUMPHREY AND GEBERT
USDOC FOR NOAA/OFFICE OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS/SCHNELL
EPA FOR INTERNATIONAL/MCASKILL AND AYRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY KNNP KOLY PTER OVIP CH
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF ENERGY BODMAN'S MEETING WITH
CHAIRMAN SUN QIN OF THE CHINA ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY
BEIJING 00000347 001.3 OF 003
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000347
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR OES/WATSON, OES/EGC-DEROSA-JOYNT AND OES/PCI
STATE FOR EAP/CM - WARD
STATE PASS TO CEQ CONNAUGHTON AND BANKS
NSC FOR HUNTER, SHRIER, TONG
USDOE FOR INTERNATIONAL/HARBERT, PUMPHREY AND GEBERT
USDOC FOR NOAA/OFFICE OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS/SCHNELL
EPA FOR INTERNATIONAL/MCASKILL AND AYRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY KNNP KOLY PTER OVIP CH
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF ENERGY BODMAN'S MEETING WITH
CHAIRMAN SUN QIN OF THE CHINA ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY
BEIJING 00000347 001.3 OF 003
1. (SBU) Summary. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman
discussed the Global Nuclear Energy Program (GNEP),
Generation IV International Forum (GIF),ongoing
cooperation under the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology
(PUNT) and potential areas for new cooperation with China
Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Chairman Sun Qin after the
Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) December 15. Chairman
Sun said that China would have much to contribute to GNEP,
but needs to learn more about the program and is willing to
engage in a private dialogue to do so. The Ministry of
Science and Technology (MOST),which signed the GIF
agreement, is considering full cooperation in GIF, Chairman
Sun said. Chairman Sun expressed interest in enhancing
China's nuclear security efforts before the 2008 Olympics,
and continuing enhancing nuclear safety and security as
China launches its ambitious nuclear power program.
Finally, Chairman Sun said that China is interested in
increasing cooperation in nuclear energy development,
because he is concerned that China lacks adequate human
resources for future development needs. End Summary.
U.S. - China Nuclear Cooperation on Solid Footing
--------------
2. (SBU) During a December 15, 2006 meeting with CAEA
Chairman Sun Qin, DOE Secretary Bodman expressed
satisfaction with the length and quality of nuclear
cooperation with China during more than two decades of
formal cooperation. Chairman SUN highlighted the history
of the cooperation, beginning in 1985, when the United
States and China established the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Energy Agreement (PUNE) to the present, when the
cooperation is based on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Technology (PUNT) agreement, signed in 1998. Exchanges
between the two countries have continued to diversify,
Chairman SUN added. Beginning with the October 2005 Joint
China - U.S. Integrated Nuclear Materials Management
Technology Demonstration at the China Institute of Atomic
Energy (CIAE),Chairman SUN continued, the two sides are
participating in expanded areas of cooperation in nuclear
technology, materials safeguards and security, waste
disposal, and new cooperation on radiological sources
security.
China Considering GNEP but Concerned about Risk
--------------
3. (SBU) Secretary Bodman expressed his view that China
has a lot to contribute to GNEP's development, and hoped
that China's decision to join the partnership would be
forthcoming in the near future. Chairman SUN stated that
China attaches great importance to the GNEP concept, but
still needs to have a better understanding of its
organization. SUN also acknowledged that GNEP's long-term
purpose is to strengthen non-proliferation while developing
nuclear energy, and noted that the United States devotes
much effort to promote nonproliferation throughout the
world. Nevertheless, China requires additional clarity on
the program.
4. (SBU) Chairman SUN wanted to know whether there are
risks in going from a theoretical fuel cycle concept
technology into an engineering design and construction
project. Secretary Bodman acknowledged that because GNEP
is still in the research phase there will be risks. That
is true of any research program, Secretary Bodman
continued. However, it is important to know what the risks
are, and pay attention to them. GNEP has three stages, the
second of which is the research stage, taking place between
the years 2008 to 2023, or providing more than 12 years to
settle the technical issues, the Secretary asserted,
reaffirming his belief that the risks will be resolved in
that time frame.
Other China GNEP Concerns
BEIJING 00000347 002.2 OF 003
--------------
5. (SBU) Chairman Sun also wants to acquire further
details on how the policy of returning reprocessed spent
fuel to the country of origin would work, how would the
added value derived from the production of plutonium fuel
in the irradiated fuel be accounted for, and on the
relationship between GNEP and other nonproliferation
mechanisms, such as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
(NPT),the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),the IAEA Project
on Next Generation Reactors (INPRO) and the U.S. GIF
initiative.
6. (SBU) According to SUN, China is also concerned about
GNEP's effect on the development of China's own nuclear
industry, should it choose to become a GNEP partner. SUN
indicated that China is willing to engage in a private
dialogue in order to get a better understanding of GNEP and
to discuss these matters with other countries to learn of
their understanding of the program. He twice stated that
China has a constructive attitude toward the project.
GNEP's Immediate Challenge Is To Design an International
Cooperative Framework
--------------
7. (SBU) Devising the cooperative framework will require
devoting a lot of effort to politics, diplomatic
initiatives, and consideration of the national interests of
countries that would participate in the program, Secretary
Bodman noted.
China Signals Desire for Olympic Cooperation under PUNT
--------------
8. (SBU) Secretary Bodman and Chairman Sun affirmed their
satisfaction with progress made under the PUNT agreement,
with a working group meeting scheduled in Beijing early in
2007, a Chinese nuclear emergency delegation going to the
U.S. at the end of January, and new cooperation on
radiological source security being organized under the
PUNT.
9. (SBU) Noting that China is host to the 2008 Summer
Olympic Games, Chairman SUN voiced the need to strengthen
nuclear security efforts for the games, given the limited
time left before the games begin. Assistant Secretary
Harbert responded that DOE is ready to work on a pilot
project on radiological sources security that can be in
place in time for the Olympics.
Other Cooperative Activities with the United States
--------------
10. (SBU) Furthermore, Chairman SUN indicated concern over
the need to continue enhancing nuclear safety and security
as China launches its ambitious nuclear power program. He
signaled willingness for additional cooperation in the
areas of nuclear safety, safeguards, security, waste
disposal, and nuclear emergency response, each an agenda
item under the PUNT Joint Coordinating Committee.
Cooperation on Expanding Nuclear Power Development
--------------
11. (SBU) Finally, Chairman SUN made a bid for additional
cooperation in the nuclear energy development field,
stating that China's research and development facilities
are weak. China seeks cooperation with the United States
in every aspect, SUN stated. Secretary Bodman disagreed
with the characterization of China's capabilities,
affirming his belief that China's great advantage is its
engineering talent. Chairman SUN countered that given the
enormity of the challenge, China does not possess
sufficient human resources to satisfy future development
needs. China is open to cooperation with other countries
BEIJING 00000347 003.2 OF 003
on nuclear energy and nuclear technology applications.
Although Tsinghua University's high temperature gas cooled
pebble bed reactor is a technical advantage, it is not a
mature technology, he stated. Similarly, he added, the
CIAE Fast Reactor, now under construction, will not reach
criticality until 2009.
Full Participation in GIF
--------------
12. (SBU) Assistant Secretary Karen Harbert observed that
DOE is happy to sponsor China's membership in GIF, and she
encouraged China to take all steps to participate fully in
GIF. She stated that there were approximately 60 technical
meetings last year under GIF, and she noted that the
program provided an opportunity for additional cooperation
on nuclear issues. The Ministry of Science and Technology
(MOST) signed the GIF agreement, and is considering full
participation, Chairman SUN replied. China, he continued,
will be able to benefit from the technology exchanges, but
will also make contributions of its own, for example on
high temperature gas cooled reactor research.
China's Participation in IAEA Antiterrorism Programs
--------------
13. (SBU) Chairman Sun also highlighted the attention and
great interest that China pays to combat nuclear
antiterrorism and its increasing cooperative activities on
the subject with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). China is ready to participate in the IAEA Nuclear
Security Network Laboratory and will participate in the
IAEA's non-proliferation supporting program, SUN declared.
(Note: DOE is providing technical assistance with the
Security Network Laboratory.)
Participants
--------------
14. (U) Participants from the U.S. the U.S. Department of
Energy:
Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy
Karen Harbert, Assistant Secretary for Policy and
International Affairs
Jeffrey Kupfer, Chief of Staff
Anne Womack Koulton, Director of Public Affairs
Molly Williamson, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor
Ben Getto, Senior Policy Advisor
Maria Holleran Rivera, Attach, DOE China Office
Participants from the China Atomic Energy Authority:
SUN Qin, Chairman
WANG Yiren - Director General Department of System
Engineering
YANG Dazhu - Director General Department of Intl.
Cooperation
HUANG Wei - Acting Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
LI Junjie - Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
CAO Shudong - Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
ZHANG Shaoping - Interpreter, Department of Intl.
Cooperation
Ms. XIAO Lili - Project Manager, Department of Intl.
Cooperation
RANDT
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR OES/WATSON, OES/EGC-DEROSA-JOYNT AND OES/PCI
STATE FOR EAP/CM - WARD
STATE PASS TO CEQ CONNAUGHTON AND BANKS
NSC FOR HUNTER, SHRIER, TONG
USDOE FOR INTERNATIONAL/HARBERT, PUMPHREY AND GEBERT
USDOC FOR NOAA/OFFICE OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS/SCHNELL
EPA FOR INTERNATIONAL/MCASKILL AND AYRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY KNNP KOLY PTER OVIP CH
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF ENERGY BODMAN'S MEETING WITH
CHAIRMAN SUN QIN OF THE CHINA ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY
BEIJING 00000347 001.3 OF 003
1. (SBU) Summary. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman
discussed the Global Nuclear Energy Program (GNEP),
Generation IV International Forum (GIF),ongoing
cooperation under the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology
(PUNT) and potential areas for new cooperation with China
Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Chairman Sun Qin after the
Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) December 15. Chairman
Sun said that China would have much to contribute to GNEP,
but needs to learn more about the program and is willing to
engage in a private dialogue to do so. The Ministry of
Science and Technology (MOST),which signed the GIF
agreement, is considering full cooperation in GIF, Chairman
Sun said. Chairman Sun expressed interest in enhancing
China's nuclear security efforts before the 2008 Olympics,
and continuing enhancing nuclear safety and security as
China launches its ambitious nuclear power program.
Finally, Chairman Sun said that China is interested in
increasing cooperation in nuclear energy development,
because he is concerned that China lacks adequate human
resources for future development needs. End Summary.
U.S. - China Nuclear Cooperation on Solid Footing
--------------
2. (SBU) During a December 15, 2006 meeting with CAEA
Chairman Sun Qin, DOE Secretary Bodman expressed
satisfaction with the length and quality of nuclear
cooperation with China during more than two decades of
formal cooperation. Chairman SUN highlighted the history
of the cooperation, beginning in 1985, when the United
States and China established the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Energy Agreement (PUNE) to the present, when the
cooperation is based on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Technology (PUNT) agreement, signed in 1998. Exchanges
between the two countries have continued to diversify,
Chairman SUN added. Beginning with the October 2005 Joint
China - U.S. Integrated Nuclear Materials Management
Technology Demonstration at the China Institute of Atomic
Energy (CIAE),Chairman SUN continued, the two sides are
participating in expanded areas of cooperation in nuclear
technology, materials safeguards and security, waste
disposal, and new cooperation on radiological sources
security.
China Considering GNEP but Concerned about Risk
--------------
3. (SBU) Secretary Bodman expressed his view that China
has a lot to contribute to GNEP's development, and hoped
that China's decision to join the partnership would be
forthcoming in the near future. Chairman SUN stated that
China attaches great importance to the GNEP concept, but
still needs to have a better understanding of its
organization. SUN also acknowledged that GNEP's long-term
purpose is to strengthen non-proliferation while developing
nuclear energy, and noted that the United States devotes
much effort to promote nonproliferation throughout the
world. Nevertheless, China requires additional clarity on
the program.
4. (SBU) Chairman SUN wanted to know whether there are
risks in going from a theoretical fuel cycle concept
technology into an engineering design and construction
project. Secretary Bodman acknowledged that because GNEP
is still in the research phase there will be risks. That
is true of any research program, Secretary Bodman
continued. However, it is important to know what the risks
are, and pay attention to them. GNEP has three stages, the
second of which is the research stage, taking place between
the years 2008 to 2023, or providing more than 12 years to
settle the technical issues, the Secretary asserted,
reaffirming his belief that the risks will be resolved in
that time frame.
Other China GNEP Concerns
BEIJING 00000347 002.2 OF 003
--------------
5. (SBU) Chairman Sun also wants to acquire further
details on how the policy of returning reprocessed spent
fuel to the country of origin would work, how would the
added value derived from the production of plutonium fuel
in the irradiated fuel be accounted for, and on the
relationship between GNEP and other nonproliferation
mechanisms, such as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
(NPT),the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),the IAEA Project
on Next Generation Reactors (INPRO) and the U.S. GIF
initiative.
6. (SBU) According to SUN, China is also concerned about
GNEP's effect on the development of China's own nuclear
industry, should it choose to become a GNEP partner. SUN
indicated that China is willing to engage in a private
dialogue in order to get a better understanding of GNEP and
to discuss these matters with other countries to learn of
their understanding of the program. He twice stated that
China has a constructive attitude toward the project.
GNEP's Immediate Challenge Is To Design an International
Cooperative Framework
--------------
7. (SBU) Devising the cooperative framework will require
devoting a lot of effort to politics, diplomatic
initiatives, and consideration of the national interests of
countries that would participate in the program, Secretary
Bodman noted.
China Signals Desire for Olympic Cooperation under PUNT
--------------
8. (SBU) Secretary Bodman and Chairman Sun affirmed their
satisfaction with progress made under the PUNT agreement,
with a working group meeting scheduled in Beijing early in
2007, a Chinese nuclear emergency delegation going to the
U.S. at the end of January, and new cooperation on
radiological source security being organized under the
PUNT.
9. (SBU) Noting that China is host to the 2008 Summer
Olympic Games, Chairman SUN voiced the need to strengthen
nuclear security efforts for the games, given the limited
time left before the games begin. Assistant Secretary
Harbert responded that DOE is ready to work on a pilot
project on radiological sources security that can be in
place in time for the Olympics.
Other Cooperative Activities with the United States
--------------
10. (SBU) Furthermore, Chairman SUN indicated concern over
the need to continue enhancing nuclear safety and security
as China launches its ambitious nuclear power program. He
signaled willingness for additional cooperation in the
areas of nuclear safety, safeguards, security, waste
disposal, and nuclear emergency response, each an agenda
item under the PUNT Joint Coordinating Committee.
Cooperation on Expanding Nuclear Power Development
--------------
11. (SBU) Finally, Chairman SUN made a bid for additional
cooperation in the nuclear energy development field,
stating that China's research and development facilities
are weak. China seeks cooperation with the United States
in every aspect, SUN stated. Secretary Bodman disagreed
with the characterization of China's capabilities,
affirming his belief that China's great advantage is its
engineering talent. Chairman SUN countered that given the
enormity of the challenge, China does not possess
sufficient human resources to satisfy future development
needs. China is open to cooperation with other countries
BEIJING 00000347 003.2 OF 003
on nuclear energy and nuclear technology applications.
Although Tsinghua University's high temperature gas cooled
pebble bed reactor is a technical advantage, it is not a
mature technology, he stated. Similarly, he added, the
CIAE Fast Reactor, now under construction, will not reach
criticality until 2009.
Full Participation in GIF
--------------
12. (SBU) Assistant Secretary Karen Harbert observed that
DOE is happy to sponsor China's membership in GIF, and she
encouraged China to take all steps to participate fully in
GIF. She stated that there were approximately 60 technical
meetings last year under GIF, and she noted that the
program provided an opportunity for additional cooperation
on nuclear issues. The Ministry of Science and Technology
(MOST) signed the GIF agreement, and is considering full
participation, Chairman SUN replied. China, he continued,
will be able to benefit from the technology exchanges, but
will also make contributions of its own, for example on
high temperature gas cooled reactor research.
China's Participation in IAEA Antiterrorism Programs
--------------
13. (SBU) Chairman Sun also highlighted the attention and
great interest that China pays to combat nuclear
antiterrorism and its increasing cooperative activities on
the subject with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). China is ready to participate in the IAEA Nuclear
Security Network Laboratory and will participate in the
IAEA's non-proliferation supporting program, SUN declared.
(Note: DOE is providing technical assistance with the
Security Network Laboratory.)
Participants
--------------
14. (U) Participants from the U.S. the U.S. Department of
Energy:
Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy
Karen Harbert, Assistant Secretary for Policy and
International Affairs
Jeffrey Kupfer, Chief of Staff
Anne Womack Koulton, Director of Public Affairs
Molly Williamson, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor
Ben Getto, Senior Policy Advisor
Maria Holleran Rivera, Attach, DOE China Office
Participants from the China Atomic Energy Authority:
SUN Qin, Chairman
WANG Yiren - Director General Department of System
Engineering
YANG Dazhu - Director General Department of Intl.
Cooperation
HUANG Wei - Acting Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
LI Junjie - Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
CAO Shudong - Division Director, Department of System
Engineering
ZHANG Shaoping - Interpreter, Department of Intl.
Cooperation
Ms. XIAO Lili - Project Manager, Department of Intl.
Cooperation
RANDT