NUCLEAR FELLOWS

China expands Saudi nuclear ties to strengthen its energy security

The deal, signed at a China-GCC nuclear forum in Chengdu, covers nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and emergency response

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Construction at China's Tianwan nuclear power plant

China is deepening its nuclear ties with the GCC by signing new cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia just days after the kingdom reached a similar energy agreement with the United States.

Riyadh and Beijing inked the deal at a China-GCC nuclear technology forum in Chengdu, according to China’s state-run Global Times.

The deal covers nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and emergency response.

GCC officials say they aim to leverage China’s expertise to strengthen energy security and accelerate sustainable development, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports.

The move increases China’s influence in the Gulf following earlier agreements with the UAE and joint resource exploration with the kingdom.