China Expands Nuclear Cooperation With ASEAN, GCC
China's atomic energy chief pledged wider peaceful nuclear partnerships at a forum in Kuala Lumpur attended by Gulf representatives for the first time.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Nuclear
Shan Zhongde, head of the China Atomic Energy Authority, said China will expand peaceful nuclear cooperation with ASEAN and GCC countries at the fourth China-ASEAN Forum on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology in Kuala Lumpur. Representatives from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates delivered national reports at the forum.
Why it matters
The invitation of Gulf Cooperation Council representatives for the first time signals a broadening of China's nuclear diplomacy beyond Southeast Asia. The forum's focus on safer, more economical development reflects regional interest in nuclear energy as a climate response.
The forum held four roundtable discussions on small reactor innovation, irradiation applications, medical isotopes and talent development, alongside an exhibition of China's nuclear achievements. No binding agreements or quantified targets were disclosed in the reporting.
The players
Shan Zhongde
Head of the China Atomic Energy Authority, China's government body overseeing civil nuclear programs, who made the cooperation pledge.
The details
Shan Zhongde made the remarks at the forum's opening ceremony. Projected cooperation areas include small modular reactors, controlled nuclear fusion research, and talent exchanges, though the stated plans remain general.
Timeline
Earlier this week: fourth China-ASEAN forum opens in Kuala Lumpur.
2026: GCC representatives invited to the forum for the first time.
Big Picture
The fourth China-ASEAN forum extends a series that has moved from bilateral technical exchange toward multilateral dialogue, now reaching Gulf states. Its emphasis on small modular reactors and fusion research places it within China's wider push to develop next-generation nuclear technology.
Small modular reactors and fusion research, if they progress, could eventually affect regional electricity supply and clean-energy costs. Timelines for commercialization were not given, so near-term impact on consumers is limited.
The takeaway
Nuclear cooperation is widening across regions, with China positioning small reactors and fusion as tools for clean energy. Readers tracking the sector should watch for concrete agreements that follow these broad pledges.
Further reading
Explore more on Nuclear developments and international cooperation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by China Daily.
