China successfully carried out a large-scale nuclear security drill dubbed “Storm-2025” at the Fuqing nuclear power base in Fujian Province on Saturday, demonstrating its commitment to nuclear safety amid growing energy demands.
The exercise was organized by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and several other state agencies. Participants included the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Energy Administration, and the Fujian provincial government. This marks the sixth iteration of China’s biennial nuclear security drills, designed to bolster emergency preparedness and reinforce national safety protocols.
Storm-2025 featured highly realistic simulations involving potential threats such as armed intrusions and coordinated attacks. These scenarios were crafted to test and evaluate the emergency response systems and inter-agency coordination at one of the country’s key nuclear facilities. The drill’s complexity also tested the operators’ abilities to handle extreme, high-risk situations while minimizing harm to the environment and the public.
The CAEA stated that the primary goal of the drill was to verify and strengthen the emergency response capabilities of personnel and institutions responsible for nuclear safety. Moreover, it sought to enhance risk awareness among nuclear facility operators and improve cross-sector collaboration in crisis scenarios.
China’s investment in such drills underscores its focus on balancing the rapid expansion of its nuclear energy infrastructure with robust safety mechanisms. As the country increases its reliance on nuclear power to meet carbon neutrality goals and ensure energy security, ensuring the safety of these facilities has become a top national priority.
In recent years, China has accelerated the construction of nuclear power plants, making nuclear energy a cornerstone of its clean energy transition. However, alongside development, the government is keen on maintaining rigorous safety standards to prevent and respond effectively to any potential threats.
The successful execution of Storm-2025 reinforces China’s message to the international community: it is not only expanding its nuclear capabilities but also putting stringent safety and security measures in place to protect its people and the environment.
